Local Start-Up Charter Petition

To establish a new charter school in Georgia, a charter school application must be submitted to both the local board of education (LBOE) and the Office of Charter Schools Commission (OCSC). Approval from both entities is required to secure a charter school contract. If your application is approved by both the LBOE and the State Board of Education (SBOE), your school will be classified as a locally-approved charter school.

Start-Up Process & Resources

Documents and information needed to complete the process to start a locally-approved charter schools. Use these resources to understand the requirements, deadlines, and steps for submitting your start-up petition.

Letter of Intent

The Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in the start-up process, notifying the local board(s) of education and the OCSC of your intent to submit a start-up application. The LOI must follow the OCSC template and be submitted six months before the petition deadline.

Letter of Intent (PDF, 116.61 KB)

Local Start-Up Petition Resources

Additional documents and resources to support the submission of a start-up charter petition.


 

2024-25 Local Start-Up Petition

The start-up petition is intended for individuals or groups seeking approval from both the LBOE and the SBOE to establish a new charter school. The petition outlines the eligibility requirements and necessary steps for obtaining approval as a start-up charter school.

Local Start-Up Petition (DOC, 114.49 KB)

OCSC Homepage

Office of Charter School Compliance

Steps to Start a New Locally-Approved Charter School

  1. Submit a Letter of Intent
  2. Submit a Charter Start-Up Petition
  3. Local Authorizer Reviews Star-Up Petition
  4. Local Authorizer Takes Action on Start-Up Petition
  5. OCSC Reviews Start-Up Petition
  6. OCSC Takes Action on Start-Up Petition
  7. State Board Votes on OCSC Recommendation

  • Submit a Letter of Intent

    At least six months prior to petition deadline. 

  • Submit a Charter Start-Up Petition

    To both the OCSC and your local authorizer(s).

  • Local Authorizer Reviews Star-Up Petition

    The local authorizer(s) will review the start-up petition and conduct panel interviews.

  • Local Authorizer Takes Action on Start-Up Petition

    The local authorizer(s) will decide on the start-up petition after you complete the start-up petition process. 

  • OCSC Reviews Start-Up Petition

    If approved locally, submit any additional start-up petition materials to the OCSC, highlighting changes made to the petition based on local district feedback. The OCSC will conduct a review and panel interviews. 

  • OCSC Takes Action on Start-Up Petition

    The OCSC will make a recommendation to the State Board of Education.

  • State Board Votes on OCSC Recommendation

    The State Board of Education will vote on the recommendation submitted by the OCSC.

Questions?

Contact

Allen Mueller

Senior Director of the Office of Charter School Compliance

[email protected]