Open a Charter School
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Charter schools may be started by an individual or group of parents, community leaders, teachers, businesses, municipalities, community colleges, or other legal entities organized under the laws of the state.
- Under s.1002.33, F.S., the district school board, in which the charter school is located, is the sponsor or authorizer. District staff provides support and monitors compliance of schools.
- In Hillsborough County, the School Board of Hillsborough County is authorized to sponsor charter schools.
- It is the responsibility of the charter school applicants to request technical assistance from the Florida Department of Education or the assigned designees (Charter Schools Office) of the School Board of Hillsborough County.
- Acceptance of an application for review does not imply or ensure approval of the application.
- Approval of an application does not authorize the operation of the charter school. Approval of an application authorizes the parties to negotiate a contract to operate the school.
- Charter applicants may also choose to apply to the state's Charter School Review Commission. Under s. 1002.3301, F.S., the Charter School Review Commission was created within the Department of Education to review and approve applications for charter schools overseen by district school boards. For more information regarding the application process and upcoming deadlines, visit www.flcsrc.org.
Steps to Apply
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Technical Assistance
For technical assistance, please contact the Charter Schools Office at 813-272-4049.
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Submit an Intent to Apply Notice
Applicant is requested to submit a Letter of Intent to charterinfo@hcps.net declaring the intent to submit a charter school application 30 days prior to submission. Letter may include the intended name of the school, the name of board chair, the identified management company (if applicable), enrollment projections, grade configuration, educational program focus, and the location, if known.
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Submit an Application
The applicant will deliver the application produced on the Model Florida Charter School Application (according to the Application Instructions) to the Charter Schools Office. Staff will assure application instruction requirements were adhered to and the application will be accepted for review.
Model Applications and Evaluation Forms
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Model Florida Charter School Application (2023) - Word | PDF
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Model Florida Virtual Charter School Application (2023) - Word | PDF
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Model Florida Charter School Application High-Performing Charter School System Replication (2023) - Word | PDF
- Florida Virtual Charter School Application Evaluation Instrument (2023) - Word | PDF
Model Florida Charter School Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Attend the Applicant Interview
Following review of the application, an applicant interview is held with the applicant to clarify questions arising out of the review. Board members and persons contributing to the application are requested to attend. The interview is not required by statute.
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School Board Decision
School Board Decision:
The recommendation of the Superintendent will be voted on by the Hillsborough County School Board with 90 days of the application submission. A timeline waiver may be entered into upon agreement, as permitted by statute.
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Approved Applicant Training
Section 1002.33(6)(f)2., F.S., requires a charter school applicant to participate in training provided by the Department of Education after approval of an application but at least 30 calendar days before the first day of classes at the charter school. Training is required for approved applicants only (or those pending approval or are in the process of an appeal).
If you have not yet submitted an application, please do not register for this training. However, we encourage you to explore the FDOE Charter School website for additional resources or contact FDOE if you have any questions.
