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Application Instructions

Application Instructions for the 2024-2025 Application Cycle

Before beginning the application process for opening a charter school in Orange County, please refer to Section 1002.33, Florida Statute for further information on what is required to submit an application and operate a charter school. Charter statute and additional resources may be found at About Florida's Charter Schools.

 

The School Board of Orange County is authorized to operate charter schools. It is the responsibility of the charter school applicants to request technical assistance from the Florida Department of Education. Acceptance of an application for review does not imply or ensure approval of the application. Approval of an application does not authorize the operation of the charter school. Approval of an application authorizes the parties to negotiate a contract to operate the school.

Charter school applicants wishing to apply during the 2024-2025 application cycle shall provide a letter of intent to establish a charter school to the School Choice Services office, Attn: Dr. Kia Scott, prior to submission. The letter should:

  • Indicate the special program and/or population you are targeting with an estimated number of students
  • Enrollment estimate by grade level
  • Name, address, and phone number of contact person
  • Location or area in the county for the proposed school

Applicants shall submit a charter application to School Choice Services in the following format:

  • 15 hard copy applications in binders. Submissions must include tabs identifying each section of the application. Pages must be numbered. Attachments and addendums must also be tabbed and numbered.
  • An electronic copy in PDF must also be submitted. All supplementary materials must be included in the PDF version.
  • Consecutive page numbers throughout that align with the table of contents
  • Application cover sheet
  • Signed Statement of Assurances

Applications shall be submitted in the above format by close of business, 4:30 p.m. Applications should be mailed or hand delivered to:

Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center (RBELC)
School Choice Services 

445 W. Amelia Street

Orlando, FL 32801


Please Note: If you intend to submit a charter application,  please contact the School Choice Services Dept. so  arrangements can be made to have a staff member available to process the submission.  

All applications will be presented to the School Board within 90 days after submission, with a recommendation for approval or denial from the Superintendent unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.

For more information about submitting a Charter School Proposal, contact the School Choice Services office at 407-317-3200 ext. 2022853.


*It is imperative that a current version of the Model Florida Charter School Application is used. To obtain a copy of the current charter school applications, please visit: