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…
- Employment Offer Letter
March 9, 2021
Sample employee offer letter which can be used when an employee will be hired prior to signing an employee contract.
Read more - Sample Teacher Contract
March 9, 2021
Sample Contract to use for teachers at the school.
Read more - Sample Principal Contract
March 9, 2021
Sample employee contract for the school’s principal of executive director.
Read more - Example Florida Salary Schedule Calculator
March 9, 2021
The Excel file below is offered as one possible solution to how a school may wish to develop a salary schedule. It is not presented as an ultimate solution but as an example. Schools are free to develop their own schedules based on the needs and desig …
Read more - FMLA Request for Leave Form
March 9, 2021
Sample FMLA Request form to be used if your school is required to offer FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) leave to your employees. If you are working with an employee leasing or payroll company they may have a form you may be required to use, however …
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