New Applications
The Idaho Public Charter School Commission (IPCSC) is authorized under Idaho Code § 33-5203 to review and approve applications for the establishment of new public charter schools. Applicants must submit a complete charter school application in accordance with the New Charter Application Guidance and the Standards of Quality Rubric, which provide detailed expectations regarding required content and evaluation criteria.
Applicants must also attend the Charter Start Workshop, hosted annually and virtually by the Idaho State Department of Education’s School Choice Department (Idaho Code § 33-5211), prior to submitting an application.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 33-5203(2), applications must be received by September 1 and authorized no later than January 1 of the preceding school year to be eligible to begin instruction in the following school year.
Existing charter schools that have successfully completed at least one renewal without condition may apply for fast-tracked replication under Idaho Code § 33-5205C. Replication applications must demonstrate capacity to operate multiple schools successfully while maintaining strong academic and financial performance.
For assistance in preparing or reviewing a new charter application, please contact IPCSC team for guidance.
Transfer Applications
Under Idaho Code § 33-5205A, a charter may be transferred to a new authorizer if the charter holder and receiving authorizer agree to the transfer and to any revisions to the charter and performance certificate required as part of that transfer.
When considering a transfer to the IPCSC, both the school’s current authorizer and the IPCSC must review the school’s academic, operational, and financial history, as well as its current status. The IPCSC typically requires amendments to align the charter and performance certificate with current IPCSC standards and statutory requirements.
For more information, please refer to the Guidance on Transfer Applications , and contact IPCSC team early in the process for specific direction.
FAQs
What is the timeline when applying for a charter?
The Idaho Public Charter School Commission follows an annual application cycle governed by Idaho Code §§ 33-5203 through 33-5205B.Applications must be submitted by September 1 to be considered for approval by January 1 of the prior school year. The process includes:
- Preparation and community engagement (spring-summer)
- Submission and completeness review (early fall)
- Evaluation and applicant interviews (fall)
- Public hearing and Commission decision (winter)
- Performance certificate negotiation and pre-opening readiness (winter – summer)
No school may open without an executed performance certificate. Schools approved by January 1 typically open the following fall.