As we all know, the District of Columbia badly needs more good public schools. Those of us who believe in the public charter school idea think that the best way to do that quickly and successfully is to bring public charter schools to every neighborhood in D.C. Because of that, we encourage all those who dream about providing better schooling to consider seriously the idea of opening one of these new public schools.
We congratulate you on being one of these dreamers and want to encourage you to move forward to make your dream a reality. We also want to make sure you do so with your eyes wide open.
Developing your school and writing your petition will take months of intensive labor. Getting your approved school open on time will likely give you fits. And once the school is open, you will be responsible for providing good schooling to hundreds of students at the same time that you are managing a startup business.
If you have not done so already, before launching yourself into this process please think deeply about why you want to start a charter school, whether you have the time, skills, and support you need to do so, and whether this is the best way for you to realize your dream. Probably the best way to answer these questions is to talk with others who have gone down this path before. Most will be glad to share with you their thoughts on the perils and rewards of the charter school life.
Please also contact FOCUS at 202/387-0405 and make an appointment. We offer a comprehensive Charter School Startup Program, including:
- an introductory seminar
- an intensive workshop program
- the FOCUS Guide to Starting a Charter School in the District of Columbia
- a library of successful charter petitions and other resources, and
- access to local experts who can help you find a school building, develop a special education program, and create accountability and business plans.
In the 2007 DC Public Charter School Board application cycle, FOCUS worked with all six of the groups that were granted permission to move forward with their petitions.
