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)

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.

2024-25 Local Start-Up Petition Decisions

The Meliora School

  • District Applied To: Gwinnett County Public Schools
  • District Decision Letter: Download this pdf file. May 9, 2025

OCSC Homepage

Office of Charter School Compliance

Questions?

Contact

Allen Mueller

Senior Director of the Office of Charter School Compliance

[email protected]