Application Process

The CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC seeks to authorize charter schools that demonstrate strong academic design, organizational capacity, financial sustainability, community need, and a commitment to serving students equitably.

The authorization process uses a rigorous, evidence-based approach informed by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) Principles and Standards and applicable Indiana law. The process is designed to ensure that applicants proposing a new charter, replicating an existing model, or seeking a change of authorizer demonstrate the capacity to provide a high-quality and sustainable educational program.

Application Process

In accordance with Indiana Code 20-24-3-4, eligible organizers may submit an application to establish a charter school. The CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC accepts applications from eligible not-for-profit organizers and utilizes a consolidated application process for new charter proposals, replication of existing models, and changes of authorizer. Application requirements and timelines may vary based on the type of proposal.

Organizers seeking a new charter or replication of an existing model must follow the application procedures and timeline established by the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC. Organizers seeking a change of authorizer will follow the separate application requirements and timeline established for that process.

Pre-Application

Letter of Intent: Organizations interested in authorization through the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC must submit a Letter of Intent to the Executive Director. The letter should summarize the proposed charter’s vision, location, student population, grade levels, anticipated opening date, educational model, and organizational structure.

Preliminary Proposal and Presentation: Selected applicants may be invited to submit a preliminary proposal and present their charter concept to the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC. The proposal and presentation should demonstrate the strength of the educational model, community need, leadership capacity, governance, and operational readiness.

Applicants demonstrating readiness may be invited to advance to the Full Application stage.
Full Application

Applicants invited to continue will submit a Full Application for review by the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC. The review may include Authority representatives and external professionals with expertise in areas such as academics, finance, facilities, operations, and legal matters.

Applicants may receive written feedback and an opportunity to clarify or revise specific areas of the application. Revisions should address identified concerns or requests for additional information rather than substantially change the original proposal.

Applicants that successfully complete the Full Application Review may advance to the Public Hearing step.
Public Hearing

Applicants advancing to this stage will present their proposal during a public hearing conducted by the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC. The hearing provides an opportunity to share the proposed charter’s vision, educational model, and intended impact on the community.

Community members and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input. Feedback received during the public hearing will become part of the information considered by the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC when evaluating the application and determining whether the proposal should advance in the authorization process.
Capacity Interview & School Board Meeting

Capacity Interview: Qualified applicants participate in an interview with representatives of the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC. The discussion may include proposed governing board members, leadership, and founding team members and focuses on the team’s readiness to implement the educational, operational, and financial plans presented in the application.

Governing Board Review: CCSJ representatives may attend a meeting of the proposed governing board to assess its preparedness to provide effective oversight. The review considers board composition, understanding of governance responsibilities, decision-making practices, leadership, and accountability for the proposed charter.
Authorization Decision

At the conclusion of the application process, the Executive Director of the CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC presents a recommendation to the Board based on the complete application record, including review findings, interviews, governance readiness, public input, and other relevant information.

The CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC Board considers the recommendation and takes formal action to approve or deny the charter application during a public meeting. Applicants will receive written notification of the decision along with any applicable requirements or next steps.