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…
- Final Paycheck Calculations
March 9, 2021
This form is meant to provide documentation to employees who are separating from the school with regards to the amount they should expect on their final paycheck.  This document aligns with the calculations defined within the Sample Compensation Manual …
Read more - Initial Salary Placement Notice
March 9, 2021
This form is meant to lay out the per-paycheck amount for a new employee so they are clear on the salary they will be paid.
Read more - Employee Reference Check Form
March 9, 2021
This form is a way to document the employee reference checks conducted on employee applicants.
Read more - Unpaid Leave Calculator
March 9, 2021
This form is meant to be a way to document for employees who are going on unpaid leave how that leave will affect their paychecks once they return to work.
Read more - Staff Coverage Form
March 9, 2021
This is a form that schools could use if they are implementing a process allowing teachers to cover for each other for situations such as doctors appointments. Â The CSU recommends that if the school is utilizing this type of a process that some documen …
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.