Charter schools are free public schools given permission from an authorizer to operate. A charter school is a mission-driven school designed by a group of parents, educators, and/or community members and is operated by an independent board. They are open to all students, and parents must apply to enroll their children in their programs. Charter schools give parents and guardians the choice of sending their children to schools that offer unique and innovative approaches to learning. Charter schools are like traditional public schools in that they participate in all state-mandated assessments and must follow state and federal laws governing public schools. There is some flexibility in rules for charter schools. To read Idaho charter-specific laws, click here.
Authorizing in Idaho
For a charter school to exist, it must be approved through an application process to an authorizer.
According to Idaho Charter Law, "Authorizer" means any of the following: (a) A local board of trustees of a school district; (b) The public charter school commission; (c) An Idaho public college, university, or community college; or (d) A private, nonprofit, Idaho-based, nonsectarian college or university that is accredited by the same organization that accredits Idaho public colleges and universities.
These slides offer information on the process and requirements of becoming a district authorizer in Idaho.
The National Association of Charter School Authorizers offers various resources for every stage of charter authorizing. Their “Ready to Open Playbook” and “Principles & Standards for Quality Charter School Authorizing” page may be particularly helpful.
Analyzing and reviewing charter school applications is a critical part of the authorizer's role. For guidance on the application process, access the National Association of Charter School Authorizer's resource page on charter applications.
Public charter schools are recognized nationally and internationally as a way of innovating education. Charter developers are considered educational entrepreneurs, visionary thinkers, and institution builders. They create learning laboratories and provide a venue for new skills and mindsets. Successful public charter schools provide quality education programs that focus on high achievement for all students; they are also well-run, non-profit businesses.
Here are some things to consider about opening a charter school in Idaho.
If you are considering opening a charter school or converting a school to a charter school, reference this guide, "Is a Charter School the Answer".
Effectively governing a charter school requires close attention to finances, legal requirements, and student academic success. Here are the basics of charter school governance and additional resources for those that serve in a position on a governing charter board:
- Charter Board 101: Requirements, Responsibilities, Reports, & Resources
- Bylaws, Charter, and Performance Certificate
- Developing an Ethical Standards Document - Idaho Public Charter School Commission
- Idaho School Boards Association - Resources and Support for Charter Boards
- Identifying Indicators of Distress and What They Mean in the Charter Sector - National Charter School Resource Center
As the leader of a charter school, you might wear multiple hats and hold a variety of responsibilities.
Lotteries play a key role in admittance procedures for charter schools. Here is a resource on the Lottery Steps.
The Idaho Department of Education has created a toolkit to help school leaders promote healthy attendance habits.
The National Charter School Resource Center offers many resources for those in charter leadership positions. You will find resources for creating community, engaging parents, building your charter reputation, and more.
The Idaho Department of Education Public School Finance Page provides other charter-specific financial resources and data.
If your charter is adding/taking away a grade, changing names, changing locations, or changing authorizers please fill out the Building Reconfigure Request form.
Does your charter offer Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) courses? IDLA offers many resources to support educators, parents, and site coordinators!
The Data Acquisition Calendar will help you keep track of various reporting deadlines. HINT: Download the calendar, sort items to show only those that apply to charters.
Have a large purchase to make? As governmental entities, charter schools are expected to follow the state procurement laws and requirements. They are able to purchase from state contracts and vendors with state contracts. A list of state contracts can be found on the Idaho Department of Administration State Division of Purchasing page.
If you would like to connect with other charter school leaders in the state, reference this list of charter school contact information.
If you have questions about Special Education, please contact Debi Smith, Special Populations Coordinator.
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