Charter SchoolsAcademic Excellence : Minnesota Department of Education

Charter Schools

Charter Schools

Charter schools are independent public schools of choice for parents and students. The first charter schools in the nation opened in Minnesota in 1992.  Charter schools continue to be a popular choice for students seeking an alternative to traditional public schools. Currently there are 143 charter schools in operation in Minnesota. 

Charter schools offer a unique educational program and students can expect quality education based on results. Charter schools employ licensed teachers, offer services to special needs students and require students to take state and national tests to assure academic accountability. They do not charge tuition, and there are no admission requirements to enroll students in charter schools. New charter schools with exciting programs open their doors to students every year in Minnesota. Parents may contact charter schools directly to find out about the type of programs and enrollment options.

2009 Minnesota Charter Public School and Federal Charter Schools Program Planning Grant
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Division of School Choice Programs and Services, is soliciting applications from charter school developers and sponsors. Applications selected for award will be approved to open a new charter school in the fall of 2010 and will receive federal financial assistance for planning, program design and the initial implementation of a new charter school. All eligible parties are encouraged to respond.

Applications will only be considered from development teams (board chair plus a minimum of two other board members/main developers) that attend a mandatory 2009 Pre-Application Training.

Training will be offered on January 29, February 18 and March 24, 2009 These training sessions require team planning and collaboration; teams are expected to attend together. Visit the Grants Management System to print grant application and instructions.

Review the document, Profiles of Minnesota Charter Schools, published by the University of Minnesota’s Center for School Change.  www.centerforschoolchange.org

 

2008-09 School Year Lease Aid Requirements for Charter Schools  69Kb (4/10/08)
     April 3, 2008
Charter School Additional School Site Policy  76Kb (9/11/08)
     The policy contains the criteria for an application to expand the operation of a charter school to additional sites.
Charter School Annual Report  140Kb (8/5/08)  89Kb (8/5/08)
     Charter School Annual Report due 10-1 of each year. Data elements may change for each reporting period to reflect need for different types of information.
Charter School Grade Level Expansion Policy  72Kb (9/11/08)
     The policy contains the criteria for an application to expand the operation of a charter school to additional grades.
Charter School New Sponsor Training  34Kb (11/25/08)
     Training in the role and resonsibilities of being a charter school sponsor.
Charter School Training for New Sponsors  34Kb (11/25/08)
     Training in the role and responsibilities of being a charter school sponsor
Charter School Training for New Sponsors  34Kb (11/25/08)
     Training in the role and responsibilities of being a charter school sponsor
Facilities information addressing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)  146Kb (5/7/07)
     The attached information outlines the guidelines and responsibilities for charter schools in regards to ADA and AHERA requirements.