During Summer 2024, WVPCSB requested applications for two separate subgrant competitions made available by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). Materials from FY 2024 competitions are below. The application window is now closed.
WVPCSB routinely seeks experienced and qualified grant partners to carry out technical assistance activities. There are no current RFP opportunities. Past RFP opportunities are below.
WVPCSB routinely seeks peer reviewers to evaluate applications. An honorarium is available for each application reviewed. The next application opportunity will be announced here, likely in Fall 2024.
WVPCSB was selected for funding under The Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program. The competitive grant program — 100% funded by federal dollars — awarded $12.3 million over five years to WVPCSB. With these funds, WVPCSB intends to double the number of authorized charter schools and triple the number of students enrolled in charter schools by 2028. The PCSB will administer eight subgrants over the grant period — five to newly created charter schools and three to expanding charter schools already serving West Virginians.
At least 90 percent of these funds are allocated for competitive subgrants to eligible charter schools. At least 7 percent of the funds are allocated for technical assistance. Not more than 3 percent of the funds will be used by WVPCSB for administration.
For the FY 2024 competition cycle, the WVPCSB has been awarded $3.1 million, with $2.8 million allocated for two separate subgrant competitions: one for new charter schools and one for expansion charter schools. Subgrant awards are claimed on a reimbursement basis. Awards are calculated based on an applicant’s projected enrollment, with the maximum subgrant award of $1.75 million.
Charter School Innovations
To fulfill its grant objectives, the PCSB annually publishes at least 3 innovations from its authorized schools, with an emphasis on benefits to at-risk students and/or low performing schools. Below are the innovations from the 2023-24 school year.
Students at WIN Academy receive an early college experience, with the opportunity to earn up to 60 credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
West Virginia Academy hires faculty with greater diversity of backgrounds, deploys resources with a greater focus on experiential learning, meet students at their level in core topics using direct instruction methodologies, and implements curriculum, behavioral response protocols, and teaching strategies that would be difficult to implement in a non-charter setting.
Multiple charter schools take advantage of flexibility to hire quality staff who do not possess traditional teaching certifications.
At Virtual Prep Academy, students have access to teacher-facilitated asynchronous courses that are likely not offered at a traditional public school.
West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA) provides school choice to students in all 55 West Virginia counties—including students in rural areas who may not live near other educational options.
