The FOCUS Charter School Startup Program provides aspiring D.C. charter school leaders with the tools and guidance necessary for creating successful charter school applications and for opening outstanding schools.
The Startup program is divided into two phases: Phase I focuses on supporting founding groups in the development of the charter petition and application process; Phase II provides guidance during the planning year between charter approval and school opening.
The program includes the following components:
The Introductory Seminar
Once a year, FOCUS holds a half-day seminar on the basics of starting a public charter school in Washington, D.C.
The School Design Workshop Program
Founding groups selected to participate in the Startup Program are offered intensive, interactive workshops with local experts sections to be drafted for the charter petition and overall school development plan –
- Data Management And Student Information Systems
- Standards, Curriculum, Literacy, and Instruction
- Assessment and Accountability
- English Language Learners
- Special Education
- Business Planning
- Finding a Facility
The FOCUS Guide to Starting a Charter School in the District of Columbia
samplesThe Guide, updated annually, contains the best information and resources available locally and nationally, with samples from successful D.C. charter petitions.
The Steep Learning Curve Workshops After receiving conditional approval from the Public Charter School Board, charter leaders attend monthly FOCUS workshops on the nuts and bolts of opening and operating a school:
- School Governance
- Employment and Labor Law
- Facilities
- E-Rate and Technology
- Marketing Your School
- Recruiting Students
- Health and Wellness
- Special Education
- English Language Learners
- Fundraising
Individual Appointments
FOCUS staff work with each school’s founding group to answer questions, address topics specific to the school, refine the charter petition, and offers coaching during the planning year.
