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Charter Schools

Opening a Charter School in NJ

The NJDOE currently runs two application cycles for prospective charter schools.

March:

  • Applications due to the DOE by March 31.
  • Approvals/denials given by September 30.
  • Schools must pass the School Preparedness review by June 30 of the following year. This review allows the DOE to assess organizational leadership and capacity.
  • Final charter granting decision made by July 15th.

October: This expedited application cycle is for existing operators with demonstrable experience.

  • Applications due to the DOE by October 15.
  • Approvals/denials given by February 15.
  • Schools must pass the School Preparedness review by June 30. This review allows the DOE to assess organizational leadership and capacity.
  • Final charter granting decision made by July 15th.

New Jersey Charter School Application
2012 October Application (Phase One RFA) 
Application Timeline 

September 7, 2012 Technical Assistance Training at NJDOE
October 15, 2012, 4:15PM Phase One Application Due
October 22, 2012, 4:15 PM Receipts Due to NJDOE (County and District(s) of Residence)
November 9, 2012 Applicants notified of qualified applicant status and eligibility to move on to Phase Two full application
December 7, 2012, 4:15 PM Phase Two Application Due
December 14, 2012 Receipts Due to NJDOE (County and District(s) of Residence
January 23, 2013 – February 1, 2013 Applicant Interview
February 15, 2013 Charter Application Initial Approval
June 30, 2013 School Preparedness Process Completed
July 15, 2013 Final Granting of Charter

2012 Phase One RFA for Existing Operators (Word | PDF) (Due Date 10/15/12)

2012 Phase Two RFA for Existing Operators (Word | PDF) (Due Date 12/7/12)

March Application Timeline

January 30th 1-3 PM at the
LRC, 200 Bldg. Conference Room		 Technical Assistance Training at NJDOE
Register
April 1, 2013, 4:15PM Application Due
April 8, 2013, 4:15 PM Receipts Due to NJDOE (County and District(s) of Residence)
June 14, 2013 Applicants notified of Qualified Applicant Status/Elgibility to move on to Phase 2
July 12, 2013, 4:15PM Phase 2 Applications Due
July 19. 2013 Receipts Due to NJDOE for Phase 2 (County and District(s) of Residence)
August 29, 2013 - September 9, 2013 Applicant interviews

September 30, 2013

Charter Application Initial Approval
June 30, 2014

School Preparedness Visits Completed
July 16, 2014 Final Granting of Charter

Archive (previous year's applications, do not use for new submissions)