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…
- Attract the Teachers You Need: Create a Year-Round, Multi-Channel Teacher Recruitment System
March 10, 2021
Today’s teaching candidates have more choice than ever on where they can teach and work. In this hands-on session, reflect on how recruiting teachers has radically changed for school districts in the last five years, uncover what candidates are seeking …
Read more - Ensure Long-Term Success Through Succession Planning
March 10, 2021
To ensure the long-term success of your school, it is critical to navigate leadership transitions effectively. Schools can proactively prepare for both planned and unplanned transitions in order to ensure that your school can continue to achieve succes …
Read more - Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: When and How to Fire a Teacher
March 10, 2021
It is one of the hardest conversations to have as a school leader, but we cannot shy away from the duty of pruning the garden. This session will provide practical information about preparations for these difficult conversations, as well as opportunitie …
Read more - Local School Performance Frameworks in the Age of ESSA and Multiple Authorizers
March 10, 2021
Many leaders express the need to better identify which schools are working in a city or district and which ones are not in a way that would allow system leaders or parents to make good decisions. Although ESSA calls for state measures, a locally develo …
Read more - Diversity in Staffing: Doing vs. Being
March 10, 2021
The public is shining a light on diversity and inclusion in the charter sector. What’s lurking in the shadows is something we’re just coming to grips with – charter school staff don’t always reflect the communities served. How do we begin to change thi …
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.