What are charter schools?
Charter schools are public schools that are independently operated and publicly funded. As public schools, charter schools are open to all students. They do not charge fees for admission and cannot discriminate when making enrollment and admissions decisions.
The application process for charters is underway.
2011 Charter Application Timeline
| April 2011 | Release Charter School Request for Applications |
| May 2011 | Information Sessions for Applicants (in New Orleans and webinar) |
| May - June 2011 | Applicant Support Workshops (webinar) |
| May 27, 2011 | Letter of Intent Due |
| June 10, 2011 | Deadline for Mandatory Eligibility Review Documentation |
| June 24, 2011 | Notification of Applicants Eligible for Final Submission |
| August 26, 2011 | Charter Applications Due |
| August 29, 2011 | Completeness Screening |
| August - September 2011 | Application Evaluation, to include Due Diligence Review, Site Visits (if applicable) |
| October 2011 | Applicant Interviews and opportunity for applicants to submit additional information |
| November 2011 | Drafting of Recommendations |
| December 2011 | BESE Approves New Charters |
Please note that there is a different timeline for St. Helena parish. Please click here for more information.
Note: As it relates to failed public schools for which applications may be submitted, the above timeline applies to applications for the operation of schools that have been identified as eligible on the date of the release of the Request for Applications (RFA). If necessary, a new and different application timeline may be set for any schools that may be identified as eligible after the release of this RFA.
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