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Application Process

Grace Schools Charter Authority, LLC (GSCA) are accepting applications as of September 1, 2023.

Process

During each application cycle, the Grace Schools Charter Authority, LLC (GSCA)  accepts applications from all types of applicants, including:

  • New Operators seeking to launch one new charter school
  • Experienced Operators seeking to launch one or more charter schools
  • Existing Indiana charter schools seeking to switch authorizers

The GCOC defines “New Operators” as those applicants who have not previously operated a charter school and who do not intend to contract with an Education Service Provider (ESP) to oversee school operations. “Experienced Operators” are defined as either: (a) applicants that have previously operated a charter school or managed a network of charter schools; or (b) applicants that have not previously operated a charter school, but intend to contract with an ESP. Per IC § 20-24-1-6.1. ESP is defined as a “for-profit education management organization, nonprofit charter management organization, school design provider, or any other partner entity with which a charter school intends to contract for educational design, implementation, or comprehensive management.” Experienced Operators led by experienced boards may apply for one or more charters.

Step 1: Letter of Intent: September 01, 2023 – September 08, 2023

All applicants seeking to submit a proposal to the GSCA are first required to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) indicating their interest in applying to the GSCA. Only those applicants that meet the LOI deadline are eligible to submit a Full Proposal. Please note that submission of the LOI does not obligate the applicant to submit a Prospectus or Full Proposal.

The Letters of Intent must be submitted to charterschools@grace.edu by the deadlines for each application cycle. Please refer to Charter School Application Deadlines towards the bottom of the page for relevant dates.

Letter of Intent – New Operators

Letter of Intent – Experienced Operators

Step 2: Request for Prospectus: September 14, 2023

Grace Schools Charter Authority, LLC will send a request for Prospectus. This gives the GSCA a brief overview of the proposed school. If GSCA deems the proposal viable for the community in which the charter is proposed and based on the GSCA capacity, the GSCA will make recommendations for Full Proposal or notify the organizer the reasons for denial at this time.

2023 Prospectus

Step 3: Full Proposal for schools (2-week window): September 15, 2023 – September 29, 2023

Applicants that meet the LOI deadline may be eligible to submit a Full Proposal. During each application cycle, the Full Proposal should be submitted to the GSCA no later than the established deadline. Please note that failure to submit a timely or complete proposal may serve as grounds to reject the proposal. Grace Schools Charter Authority, LLC is currently NOT accepting new applications.

Charter School Full Proposal for Experienced Operators

Charter School Full Proposal for New Operators

Step 4: Evaluation Reviews and Interviews: October 2, 2023 – November 30, 2023

Grace Schools Charter Authority, LLC (GSCA) evaluates all proposals for a capacity of plan, educational plan and business plan. The review process for Full Proposals includes: (1) a review by GSCA board, staff, external experts and legal counsel; (2) interviews with GSCA board and staff; (3) regional public hearings; (4) a time range for open written comments; and (5) final evaluation and recommendation.

Step 5: Grace College Authorizing Charter Decision(s) will be made within 75 days of receipt of full application. – No later than December 13, 2023

The GSCA board will submit qualifying recommendations to the Senior Leadership based on determinations from the GSCA board and staff, evaluation teams and any additional information received. Decisions at this time will allow proposed charter schools to file the appropriate paperwork with the state.

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