Request for Proposals to Open New Charter Schools

Solicitation for New York educational organizations seeking to open and operate new charter schools throughout the State. LOIs are due no later than December 11. Diverse and innovative program designs for new charter schools are encouraged. Emphasis is placed on programming that sets a high bar for student achievement, particularly for students most at risk of academic failure.

Preference will be given to proposals that meet the following criteria:

1) Increase student achievement and decrease achievement gaps in ELA and mathematics;

2) Increase high school graduation rates for students particularly at-risk of not graduating and/or focus on middle school students’ academic achievement;

3) Increase the acquisition, adoption, and use of local instructional improvement systems that provide teachers and school leaders with the information and resources they need to inform and improve instructional practices, decision-making and overall effectiveness;

4) Use high-quality assessments designed to measure the learning of critical concepts;

5) Meet the statutory enrollment and retention targets for students with disabilities, students who are ELLs, and students who are eligible to participate in the FRPL program;

6) Conform to the public review process prescribed by the SUNY Trustees for the purpose of soliciting community input regarding the proposed charter school and its educational program;

7) Have the management and leadership capability to overcome start-up problems and establish a fiscally viable school;

8) Partner with low-performing district and charter schools to share best practices and innovations;

9) Gain support from the school district in which the school would locate, and demonstrate intent to establish an ongoing relationship with the school district; and,

10) Locate in a region of the state with limited educational alternatives.