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 ServicesÂ
Texas Public Charter Schools Association
Planning & Launching
Trainings, Webinars, Sample Documents, Resources, and more…
- Policy 4.3.11 – Student Conflict Resolution
March 9, 2021
This is a sample policy that schools can use to define the process which students should use when they need to solve a problem they are having with someone else at the school, including the proper “chain of command” and including language regarding con …
Read more - Policy 3.9.13 – Employee Grievance and Conflict Policy
March 9, 2021
This is a sample policy to address employee complaints and how to professionally manage conflict amongst the staff, as well as the “chain of command” to use when addressing concerns in the workplace.
Read more - Employee Time Off Request Form
March 9, 2021
Form to use to document when an employee is absent from work and to record paid time off / sick leave / etc.
Read more - Employee Timesheet
March 9, 2021
Sample timesheet form which automatically calculates an employee’s total time for a pay period.
Read more - Employee Change Documentation
March 9, 2021
Form to be used to document when a change is made to an employee’s salary or position.
Read more

How can we help your school?
We’re here...because we’ve been there. The CSU’s team of consultants is eager to share what we’ve learned from developing, leading, and growing schools. Turn to us for tested strategies and tools collected from some of the country’s most successful charter school leaders and advocates.