Resources for Charter School Applicants
The SUNY Charter Schools Institute uses a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to review applications from groups seeking authorization from the SUNY Board of Trustees to establish new charter schools in New York State. This page explains the major stages of the application and review process and connects applicant groups with the current RFP and related application resources.
Each RFP establishes the eligibility requirements, deadlines, required materials, and any geographic or statutory limitations for that application cycle. Applicant groups should review the current RFP in full to understand submission requirements and deadlines.
Before You Apply
Applicant groups should begin by reviewing the current Request for Proposals and confirming that their proposed school is eligible for the active application cycle. Before submitting an Intent to Apply Package, groups must schedule an introduction call with Institute staff. The call gives applicants an opportunity to introduce the proposed school’s mission and vision while Institute staff explain the RFP process and provide technical assistance.
As required by the applicable RFP, applicant groups should be prepared to address the core elements of the proposed school and the team responsible for developing and operating it, including:
- The proposed school mission, vision, educational model, and students to be served.
- The lead applicant and proposed trustees.
- Academic, operational, legal, and fiscal components of the proposal.
- Any charter management organization, partner organization, or other relevant partner involved in the proposal.
- Prior academic, fiscal, or operational performance information when the applicant group operates existing schools.
How the Process Works for New Charter Applications
| Application Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Introduction Call | Applicant groups schedule a phone or video call with Institute staff before submitting the Intent to Apply. The call introduces the proposed school’s mission and vision and gives Institute staff an opportunity to explain the RFP process and provide technical assistance. |
| Intent to Apply Package | Eligible groups submit the Intent to Apply package materials required by the current RFP, including Business Plan components when applicable. |
| Invitation to Submit Full Proposal | Groups whose Intent to Apply packages meet the requirements described in the RFP are invited to submit a full proposal. Groups that do not meet the requirements are notified that they are not eligible to move forward in the current cycle. |
| Full Proposal Intake and Completion Check | The Institute reviews each full proposal for completeness and confirms that minimum eligibility criteria have been met. |
| Proposal Review | The Institute conducts academic, operational, legal, and fiscal reviews. External education experts may also review proposals and related business or growth plans. |
| Additional Review Steps | When applicable, review may include prior performance analysis, a capacity interview, Requests for Amendment, and an interview with a representative of the SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee. Participation in any stage of the review process does not indicate or guarantee a positive recommendation. |
| Institute Recommendation | After completing its review, the Institute recommends to the SUNY Trustees only those proposals that meet statutory requirements and SUNY’s high standards. If applications exceed the number of available charters, preference scoring is applied. |
| Committee Vote | The SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee acts on the application during a public meeting. |
| Submission to the Board of Regents | Applications approved by the Charter Schools Committee are submitted to the New York State Board of Regents. |
| Granting of a New Charter | A charter becomes valid upon Board of Regents approval or by operation of law within the period established under the Charter Schools Act. |
How Full Proposals Are Reviewed
The Institute reviews each eligible full proposal to determine whether the applicant group demonstrates the capacity to establish and operate a high-quality public charter school. The review includes academic, operational, legal, and fiscal components, and external education experts may participate where appropriate.
Depending on the applicant and proposal, the review process may also include:
- Prior Performance Analysis: Review of academic, fiscal, and operational data from existing schools operated by the applicant group, when applicable.
- Capacity Interview: An interview with Institute staff and, when applicable, external reviewers. Lead applicants and all proposed or current trustees are required to participate, Representatives from key partner organizations, such as a CMO, may also be required to participate.
- Request for Amendment: A request for additional or revised information to clarify the proposal, address concerns, or ensure regulatory compliance.
- Trustee Interview: An interview with a representative of the SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee and applicant representatives or proposed/current education corporation trustees.
Resources
| Resource | What it is and where to find it |
|---|---|
| Current Request for Proposals (RFP) to Authorize New Charter Schools | The Request for Proposals (RFP) for new charters can be downloaded from the current cycle webpage. |
| Applicant Materials and Updates | All RFP application materials and updates are located on the current cycle webpage, including the Intent to Apply Form, Transmittal Summary Form, Start Up Budget Template, and Statistical Overview. |
| Institute Applicant Contact Information | Reach out to the Institute Applicant team at [email protected]. |
Glossary
| Term | What It means |
|---|---|
| Intent to Apply | The initial package submitted by an applicant group to demonstrate eligibility to continue in the RFP process. |
| Full Proposal | The complete charter application submitted by groups whose Intent to Apply Package meets the criteria described in the RFP. |
| Prior Performance Analysis | A review of academic, fiscal, and operational performance from an applicant group’s existing schools when applicable. |
| Capacity Interview | An interview used to further assess the applicant group’s ability and readiness to implement the proposed charter school. |
| Request for Amendments | A request to clarify or revise information in a proposal, address identified concerns or support regulatory compliance. |
| Institute Recommendation | The Institute’s recommendation to the SUNY Trustees following completion of the application review process. |
Understanding Resource Types
| Resource Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guide or Guidance | Explanatory material that helps users understand an Institute process, expectation, or legal requirement. |
| Template | A structured document that supports preparation of a submission, report, plan, or other school document. |
| Model Document | An adaptable example that demonstrates one possible approach and may require school-specific or legal review. |
| Sample | An illustrative example provided for reference rather than a universal or required format. |
| Report | A public document describing school performance, finances, evaluation findings, or an authorizer decision. |
| Calendar | A dated list of deadlines, recurring submissions, or planning milestones. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a SUNY Charter
Who should use the SUNY Resources for Applicants page?
This page is for applicant groups interested in seeking authorization from the SUNY Board of Trustees to establish a new charter school in New York State. Applicants should also review the current RFP to confirm eligibility, deadlines, and submission requirements for the active application cycle.
Is an introduction call required before submitting an Intent to Apply?
Yes. The Institute’s current application process requires applicant groups to schedule a phone or video introduction call with Institute staff before submitting the Intent to Apply package. The call introduces the proposed school’s mission and vision and allows Institute staff to explain the RFP process and provide technical assistance.
What happens after an Intent to Apply package is submitted?
The Institute reviews the Intent to Apply package against the requirements in the RFP. Groups that meet the requirements are invited by email to submit a full proposal, while groups that do not meet the requirements are notified that they are not eligible to move forward in that application cycle.
What does the Institute review in a full charter school proposal?
The Institute conducts academic, operational, legal, and fiscal reviews of eligible full proposals. The review may also include external education experts, prior performance analysis, a capacity interview, Requests for Amendment, and a Trustee interview when applicable.
Who makes the final decision on a SUNY charter application?
The SUNY Trustees Charter Schools Committee acts on charter applications during a public meeting based on information and evidence gathered through the applicable review process and the Institute’s recommendation. Approved applications are then forwarded to the New York State Board of Regents, and the charter is issued under the process established under the Charter Schools Act.