New Charter School Application Process and Timeline

Application Timeline

Step 1:  Letter of Intent (OPTIONAL)

• The Letter of Intent is an optional first step in the new charter school application process for the prospective charter school operator to submit a Letter of Intent. This optional letter can notify the authorizer, Prince George's County Board of Education, that a potential new charter school application is forthcoming. Prospective charter operators can submit the Letter of Intent to the PGCPS Charter Schools Office (via email) at charter.schools@pgcps.org. When submitting the Letter of Intent, place in the email subject line, "STARTING A NEW CHARTER SCHOOL".

Step 2: Attend the Technical Training Session: Thursday, October 1, 2026  at 5:00 p.m.

• Register for the Training Session
• The Technical Training Session will provide prospective Charter School Operators and their governing board members with an overview of the charter application process and the components of the Capacity Interview. 

Step 3:  Full Charter School Application: Due: Friday, January 8, 2027 at 12 noon

• The applicant submits the full application, which provides a comprehensive description of the school from instructional, operational, and governance perspectives. The applicant is required to demonstrate proficiency by answering a series of questions throughout the application template. Responses should be clearly articulated and demonstrate an understanding of the functions needed to plan, open, and operate the new public charter school. This application serves as a guide to the information that may be requested. Sample -  PGCPS Charter School Application.docx. The 2027 New Charter School Application will be available on September 24, 2026.

Step 4: Capacity Interview and Recommendation: February 22 - 24, 2027

• The final step in the application process includes evaluating the application and interviewing the Charter Operator and governing Board Members. A team of internal and external content specialists will thoroughly read and evaluate the application for merit and sound educational principles that will govern a high-quality learning environment. An interview with the applicant is conducted to solicit clarifying answers to questions discovered during the evaluation of the application. The process culminates with a recommendation to the board of education for its review and approval or denial. A final decision will be rendered within 120 days of receiving the application. If the application is denied, the district will hold a debriefing to share concerns. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Maryland State Board of Education.

Charter School Resources

• Public Charter School Improvement Act of 2015
  
• Maryland Alliance for Public Charter Schools
  
• MSDE, Charter School Programs
  
• National Alliance of Public Charter Schools
  
• TITLE IX Maryland Public Charter School Program