
The Charter School web site is currently undergoing revision and is being reorganized to better serve you in the future.
Process for Opening a Charter School in Palm Beach County
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How to start a Charter School in Florida Booklet by the Florida Department of Education |
In summary, a party interested in opening a Charter School with the School District of palm Beach County as its Sponsor must successfully complete all of the following actions and received approval from the School Board of palm Beach County. Specific details concerning this topic can be obtained by calling Juanita Edwards, Director, Charter Department at (561) 969-5875.
Application Submission
Charter school applications are due to the sponsor (school district) by August 1 of each calendar year for charter schools to be opened at the beginning of the school district's next school year, or to be opened at a time agreed to by the applicant and the sponsor.
In addition, section 1002.33(6), F.S., requires charter school applicants to submit an application on the Model Florida Charter School Application developed by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). The sponsor must then review the application using the Florida Charter School Application Evaluation Instrument evaluation instrument also developed by FDOE.
Overview of the Florida Charter School Application Process
At the September 2010 State Board of Education Meeting, the following rules related to charter schools were adopted:
- 6A-6.0786: Model Forms for Charter School Applicants and Sponsors – this rule adopts a model application format for potential charter school developers, an evaluation instrument for sponsors, and a model charter contract format for charter schools and sponsors. All forms are required for their intended use and linked below.
- IEPC-M1: Model Charter School Application
- IEPC-M2: Application Evaluation Instrument
- IEPC-M3: Model Charter Contract
- 6A-6.0788: Notice Requirements for Charter School Performance Data – this rule outlines the manner in which certain charter schools will provide student performance data to the required recipients.
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Palm Beach County Application Timeline
Palm Beach County Opening of School Checklist
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Technical support is available year-round. You may contact the
Department of Charter Schools at (561) 969-5875 to schedule a
meeting regarding Charter School Applications
prior to the August 1st submission date.
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Appeals
Section 1002.33(6)(c), F.S., provides that a charter school applicant may appeal any denial of that applicant's application or failure to act on an application to the State Board of Education no later than 30 calendar days after receipt of the sponsor's decision or failure to act and shall notify the sponsor of its appeal.





