Charter School Grants

A charter school is normally an elementary or secondary school which receives public money, but for the most part is free from the regulations and requirements which are put on traditional public schools. To continue receiving the public funding, a charter school must normally prove that their students are learning and that the education being taught is substantial enough to prepare students for college. To be funded, all charter schools must receive a charter school grant from the government. Receiving a grant is competitive and requires a formal process. This article focuses on how to receive a charter school grant.

The first step in obtaining a charter one school is to apply for a grant. Different towns have different requirements and application processes, so the first step in applying is to visit the local Department of Education’s website. This website should give the potential applicant all necessary information regarding the local grant programs.

After reviewing the charter school grant information packet and determining whether the charter school qualifies for a grant, the next step in obtaining a charter school grant is filling out the application and submitting it. When filling out the charter school’s grant application form, the applicant will have to divulge much detailed information about the school. When giving information, it’s best to understand what the Department of Education looks for in each grant applicant.

The first thing the Department of Education looks for in charter school grant applicants is innovative ideas. If the school’s principles are similar to that of the local public school system, then there isn’t much benefit of students learning in the more expensive charter school as opposed to the public school. The charter school’s ideas should be listed clearly and give explanation as to why they are beneficial over traditional schools.

The Department of Education will also want to make sure the curriculum is strong. Even though charter schools can sway a bit from traditional practices, the Department of Education will still want to ensure the students are receiving a core education which included English, Math, Science, and History. A charter school may opt to place more emphasis on one of the core areas of education, but the rest must still be taught.

The charter school grant application will also look for the programs goals. If the goals listed on the application seem either unrealistic or unnecessary, then the Department of Education will most likely reject the application. The application should emphasize how the programs goals will benefit the children’s education and future.

The Department of Education will also be critical of a charter school’s budget. They realize the school may need ongoing financial assistance, but the Department of Education will still want a full understanding of what expenses the school expects to incur, how the grant money will be used, and what other sources of revenue the school has.

After the application process is through, and if the charter school is either rejected from grant money or does not receive enough, the charter school has other option. The first is to wait a year before applying again and rethinking the schools program to make it more favorable in the eyes of the government. The other option is to apply for private grants which may be more open minded to new forms of education.