Planning and Launching a New School
A journey of a thousand miles begins with these steps.

What We Offer
Charter Application Training
Opening the doors on a new charter school starts with getting approval from an authorizer. The Charter Support Unit helps you navigate this step in a way that satisfies the requirements of those who are charged with upholding charter school quality while also creating a touchstone to guide the formation of your new school.
Check out the trainings page for more information.
Launch Year Training (Texas)
The Texas CSU facilitates the Texas Public Charter Schools Association’s Launch Year Training Program. Upon charter approval by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the CSU steps in to provide a year-long training, planning, and technical support leading up to the first day of school with students. Training and technical assistance covers operations, administration, and compliance and brings in subject-matter experts from across Texas.
Check out our LYT page for more information.
New School Institute (Florida)
Specifically for Florida schools, this comprehensive training series prepares for a successful opening once a school has an approved charter.
Check out the NSI page for more information about upcoming events and courses.
Resources & Templates
From checklists for new schools to sample policy manuals, the CSU’s library contains invaluable resources to get your school started on the right foot.
Value of partnership
“The value of the partnership we’ve built with the Charter Support Unit team is immeasurable. They provided guidance and walk each school through the exhaustive foundation-building process to a successful first day of school. Through our partnership, we have developed tools and resources for new schools to utilize. We plan on exploring more opportunities to collaborate. I know they’re just a phone call away. “
– Nadia Luna, VP of Member Services
Texas Public Charter Schools Association
Planning & Launching
Trainings, Webinars, Sample Documents, Resources, and more…
- The Power of Partnerships: Adding Evidence-based Pre-Kindergarten to boost Charter School children’s outcomes
March 10, 2021
Early education is increasingly seen as a fundamental educational strategy that is necessary to children’s lifetime success. For that reason, a number of states are giving it increasing prominence. For over 15 years, AppleTree has operated full-day ear …
Read more - If You Build It, They Will Come. Restorative Justice in Charter Schools
March 10, 2021
Restorative Justice is quickly becoming the process to implement in making schools a better, safer place for students and staff. There are practices that campus leaders can explore to help build an environment to which individuals will gravitate. If yo …
Read more - E-Rate Overview and Updates for 2020-21
March 10, 2021
E-Rate is a federal program schools can take advantage to help pay for Internet access and network equipment. While this is a free resources for schools, many find the E-Rate program intimidating, time consuming and confusing. This webinar will provide …
Read more - Writing is E-A-S-Y! Debunking the Myths and Uncovering the Secrets to Success
March 10, 2021
If you ever thought about one, several, or all of the following myths, then your attendance is a MUST! ~ Teaching writing is hard ~ Scoring papers is impossible within the school day ~ My low performing students will never be able to write a complete e …
Read more - Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership
March 10, 2021
Whether you are starting a brand new school or taking over an existing one, the culture and climate can help the school soar to success or drive it into the ground. As the leader of the school, the choices made in regard to school climate and culture n …
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