The Council has supported streamlined authorizer functions through the development of a common "phase one" charter school application packet. This change will allow charter school founders to prepare a single abbreviated application form that will be accepted by most Michigan authorizers, rather than using a different form and process for each. Once an authorizer expresses initial interest in the "phase one" application, the charter school founder will work through a more detailed process that is unique to that authorizer.
The Council has adopted a common application cycle which will begin in January of each year. Phase one applications will be accepted by individual authorizers from January 1 to February 1, with application reviews to continue through the spring of that year. Note that each authorizer has the ability to choose if an applicant will move on to phase two.
For candidates that have been chosen to progress on to the next phase, phase two will continue for a year--from summer to summer--so that a school, if granted a charter, can be ready to open the following fall. The entire application cycle will last approximately 18 months from application to school opening.
Please consult the Council home page for information on Council authorizers who are accepting applications.
