What to consider when starting a charter school
If you are considering starting a charter school or working with an existing state school to convert to a charter school, there are some things you may want to start working on.
The sponsor
- Details of proposed sponsor.
- Legal structure of the sponsor. Sponsor must be a body corporate, limited partnership, corporation sole, tertiary institution or related entity.
- A fit and proper person test on the proposed sponsor and governing members.
The mission and vision of the proposed charter school
- The organisation’s strategic vision.
- Key educational features.
- Details of anticipated school enrolment and educational need, including information on the level of support from the community to establish a charter school.
The educational plan or school design
- The non-negotiables of the proposed educational model. Include ideas that demonstrate how this new educational opportunity will provide a value-added experience.
- Proposed curriculum.
- Proposed qualifications (if a secondary or composite school).
- Proposed person responsible for teaching and learning – they must be a New Zealand-registered
- teacher.
- Proposed chief executive
- Outline of proposed school year. For example, any differences between current state school model, such as longer school day or shorter school holidays.
Financial probity
- Proposed chief financial officer/team with financial expertise.
- Details of any other funding sources.
- Property.
- Staffing for facilities management.
- Description of facilities for the charter school including land status, for example, freehold/leasehold.
- Outline of any renovations required to get facilities up to speed for educational purposes.
Community engagement
- Any conducted outreach and relationships that have been established.
- Plans for communication with prospective parent body.
- Plans for future community engagement.
More information
Key features of a charter school
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