Start a Locally-Approved Charter School

For petitioners who seek to start to start a new locally-approved charter school.

Eligibility to Start a Locally-Approved Charter School

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 (or locally-authorized) charter school.

Start-Up Local Charter Petition Process

Steps to Start a New Locally-Approved Charter School

Step 1: Submit a Letter of Intent

At least six months prior to petition deadline. 

Step 2: Submit a Charter Start-Up Petition

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

Step 3: Local Authorizer Reviews Start-Up Petition

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

Step 4: 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. 

Step 5: 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. 

Step 6: OCSC Takes Action on Start-Up Petition

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

Step 7: State Board Votes on OCSC Recommendation

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

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)

2025-26 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, 109.72 KB)

Local Start-Up Petitioner Resources

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


 

2024-25 Local Start-Up Petition Denials by Charter System

Atlanta Public Schools

Bibb County

Floyd County Schools

Henry County Schools

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Richmond County Schools

OCSC Homepage

Office of Charter School Compliance

Questions?

Contact

Allen Mueller

Senior Director of the Office of Charter School Compliance

[email protected]