Annual Application Cycle

The ASBCS conducts an annual cycle for new charter applications. The current application cycle is now closed. Information contained below gives prospective applicants a general sense of the application cycle. Information for the upcoming application cycle will be posted to this page no later than March 31, 2025.

The New Charter Application for schools opening Fall 2025 and beyond was approved by the ASBCS on February 12, 2024. The timeline for the current application cycle is found below.

Applicants interested in submitting an application should be familiar with charter school legislation. 

Arizona State Board for Charter Schools 2025-2026 Application

On February 12, 2024, the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools approved the application and instructions for the 2024 cycle for schools opening in the 2025-2026 school year.

The approved application instructions and required forms and templates were posted to this page on February 21, 2024. Prior to using a form or template, be sure it includes the year 2024 in the footer.

Applicant Workshops

Board staff will present virtual training for applicants during the application cycle. Training will focus on clarification of the instructions and process, and to identify common pitfalls for applicants. 

Training dates are as follows:

•  February 29, 2024 – New Charter Process Overview and Educational Plan (2:00-4:00 p.m.)
•  March 6, 2024 – Academic Systems Plan and Instructional Analysis (2:30-4:00 p.m.)
•  March 12, 2024 – Operational and Business Plans (2:00-4:00 p.m.)

Additionally, virtual Q&A sessions will be held on April 16, 2024 and May 15, 2024. Both will be held from 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Support

After a letter of intent is received, Board staff will reach out to each applicant submitting a letter of intent to set up an introductory meeting. This meeting will be held with the intent of learning more about the applicant team, the proposed model, and to allow the applicant to ask any initial questions that are specific to its unique application.

Available dates for Letter of Intent Meetings will be March 27, April 2, April 3, and April 5.

Contact Information

For questions about the New Charter Application, please contact Rachel Hannah at [email protected].

New Charter Contract

The Board grants new charter contracts to qualifying applicants through its new charter application and replication application processes. These contracts are for 15 years.

Arizona Corporation Commission

The Corporations Division of the Arizona Corporation Commission approves for filing all articles of incorporation for Arizona business and all articles of organization for limited liability companies, as well as grants authority to foreign corporations to transact business in Arizona. The Division also collects from every corporation an annual report which reflects its current status, business, and financial condition. For more information on the different types of entities and associated filing requirements, visit the Arizona Corporation Commission’s website.

Fingerprint Clearance Cards

The officers, directors, members, or partners of an entity applying for a charter must obtain a non-identity verified  fingerprint clearance card unless their duties also involve responsibilities that would require them to obtain an identity verified fingerprint clearance card pursuant to A.R.S. §15-183(C)(5). The non-identity verified fingerprint clearance card application, includes a box for “Arizona Charter School Board Member/Applicant”. To determine the status of an individual’s fingerprint clearance card or fingerprint clearance card application, visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s website. The website includes fingerprint clearance cards issued through the identity verified and non-identity verified processes.