Application Process

The Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) is accepting proposals for new charter schools in Wisconsin. We encourage any interested group to submit a Prospectus Application two years prior to the proposed opening. For instance, a school wishing to open in the fall of 2026 must submit its Prospectus in the summer of 2024. As all approved applicants are required to have a planning year, the OEO strategically aligns its application timeline with the Wisconsin Charter School Program (WCSP) grant funding cycle. Synchronizing schedules allows prospective independent charter schools to simultaneously apply for the vital WCSP planning year funding.

For more information about submitting a proposal, for technical assistance, or to request a meeting, email Cynthia L. Gonzalez at cynthia.gonzalez@wisconsin.edu.

Application Proposal Phases and Materials

Documents related to the submission of new school proposals can be found below. Should the OEO need to adjust timelines, applicants will be notified in advance.

Phase I

• Phase I Prospectus Application Guide pdf
• Phase I Prospectus Application docx
• Phase I Prospectus Application Rubric pdf

Phase II

• Phase II New Charter School Application Guide pdf
• Phase II New Charter School Application docx
• Phase II New Charter School Application Rubric pdf
• Revenue and Expense Worksheet xlsx

Phase III

Contracts negotiated with prospective charter school operators must meet all requirements of the OEO Charter Contract. Charter operators must be prepared to operate in accordance with all applicable state and federal requirements for charter schools. Contracts developed with prospective charter operators contain information that provides specific information about the charter school, its mission, organization, curriculum, assessment methodology, and instructional philosophy and obligations of the grantee.

Contracts are reviewed by the Universities of Wisconsin President for approval before execution by the OEO. Following approval, the Department of Public Instruction will receive the contract for the Benchmark Review Process, this is in addition to completing the OEO Pre-Opening Checklist. Once the grantee meets the school opening requirements set forth by OEO, the charter school can begin operating.

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Application Status

Applications Under Consideration for Phase I: Prospectus

None at this time.

Applications No Longer Under Consideration

Wisconsin STEM AI Academy 

Frederick Douglass Academy of Classical Education (FDACE)

Applications Under Consideration for Phase II: New Charter School Application (2026-2027 Opening)

Pathways Career & College Academy (PCCA) 

Public Informational Sessions

Dane County Leaders & Educators Listening Session on FCCA School Development
On December 17, 2024, Forward Career and College Academy (FCCA), formerly known as Pathways Career & College Academy (PCCA), is hosting a pivotal listening session to engage Dane County leaders, educators, and stakeholders in shaping the vision and goals for the proposed charter school.

Event Details:
● What: Dane County Leaders & Educators Listening Session on FCCA School Development
● When: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
● Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
● Where: The Black Business Hub
● Purpose: To create a collaborative dialogue with community leaders and educators, ensuring that FCCA’s mission aligns with the educational aspirations and priorities of Dane County families.

 

FCCA Parents and Students Listening Session on Charter School Development
On December 20, 2024, Forward Career and College Academy (FCCA), formerly known as Pathways Career & College Academy (PCCA), will hold an essential listening session to engage parents, guardians, and students in shaping the vision and goals for the proposed charter school.

Event Details:
● What: FCCA Parents and Students Listening Session on Charter School Development
● When: Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
● Where: The Black Business Hub
● Purpose: To provide an open forum for parents and students to share their perspectives, ensuring that FCCA’s mission aligns with the educational priorities and aspirations of the families it serves. FCCA will provide dinner for the families during the presentation.