Charter School Leader Playbook
This four-part playbook is your guide to establishing a charter school in West Virginia. Whether you're an established Charter Management Organization or a community-based founding group, you'll find the essential information, tools, and resources needed to develop a successful charter school application and open a successful school.
The following four sections are a guide through the charter school development journey—from understanding West Virginia's policy environment to completing your application and preparing for the First Day of School. Each section builds upon the previous one to create a roadmap for establishing a school that meets both regulatory requirements and the needs of your community.
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West Virginia welcomes new educational options with potential to meet the unique needs and values of families in our state. The PCSB will approve applicants who meet legal requirements.
Federal Charter School Program (CSP) funding is available for new charter schools — up to $1.5 million in start-up grants. The PCSB administers this funding to eligible applicants in West Virginia.
Several regions present clear opportunities for new charter schools (Eastern Panhandle, Kanawha County, Monongalia County, and Raleigh County). These areas are detailed in Part 1, but make no mistake: the entire state of West Virginia needs expanded educational opportunities.
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The PCSB is not a gatekeeper. Rather, it is a partner to develop successful school models that will serve West Virginia students effectively.
Engage with PCSB staff early and often. Don't wait until your application is complete to make contact. The PCSB is available for:
Early Consultation Meetings: Schedule informal discussions with PCSB staff to review your initial concept, ask questions about requirements, and receive guidance before you've finalized your application.
Ongoing Application Feedback: Share drafts of application sections to receive informal feedback that can strengthen your submission before the formal review.
Technical Assistance: Access sample documents, templates, and resources that can help you meet application requirements efficiently.
Process Guidance: Receive clear explanations about interview expectations, public hearing procedures, and how to prepare your team for each stage of review.
Revision Support: Even after submission, you'll have opportunities to refine and improve your application based on PCSB staff feedback before final decisions are made by PCSB voting members.
Part 1: Understanding the Charter School Policy Environment
West Virginia welcomes new charter schools. The PCSB will approve applicants who meet legal requirements in Section 18-5G-8 of the West Virginia Code. Part 1 of this guide provides more detail about those requirements and the authorization process.
Three Things You'll Learn in Part 1:
Requirements of the West Virginia Charter School Law.
Geographic regions in West Virginia that can support charter school growth.
The process, timeline, and requirements for each step of the authorization process.
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Before drafting your charter school application, it's important to understand West Virginia's charter school landscape. To help, we've created a Policy Snapshot that highlights why opening a charter school in West Virginia is both accessible and beneficial. It also outlines potential challenges that founders should be aware of, ensuring you have a clear picture of the opportunities and obstacles in the process.
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There are several geographic areas in West Virginia that can support charter growth, but the entire state is in need of additional educational options. Below, you will find information about four key areas.
The Eastern Panhandle (particularly Berkeley & Jefferson Counties)
Kanawha County (City of Charleston)
Monongalia County (City of Morgantown)
Raleigh County (City of Beckley)
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Starting a charter school in West Virginia is an attainable and straightforward process, designed to encourage educational innovation while maintaining high standards. Since the passage of HB 2012 in 2021, the state has established clear and accessible pathways for charter school creation. With well-defined steps and reasonable requirements, navigating the authorization process is manageable for dedicated founders. Learn more below about each stage—from initial concept development to final approval—including key requirements and timelines to help ensure a smooth and successful application.
Application timeline and key deadlines
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, but they must be submitted by August 31st of the year prior to the school’s first academic year.
That means an application received on September 1, 2025 would not be approved for opening before the 27-28 school year.
Applications may be completed through the online form.
Applications may also be electronically delivered to PCSB Executive Director James Paul at James.paul@wvpcsb.org.
Applicants must follow the guidelines outlined in West Virginia Code §18-5G, particularly §18-5G-8. Applicants will submit:
Documentation of 501 c3 status or application.
Board governance documents (bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, Conflict of Interest Policies, Board Member names and addresses, etc).
An organizational structure and decision rights document that clearly articulates roles and responsibilities and oversight for key leaders.
5-year budget.
Copies of Draft Management/Licensing Agreements if using an Education Service Provider (ESP).
A plan for dissolution of the school, if necessary, that includes provision for the transfer of students and their records and appropriately disposes of assets and liabilities.
PCSB Review Process
The PCSB will approve or deny the application within 90 days of receipt.
During the 90-day review process, the PCSB will:
Review the application, ask questions, and suggest revisions;
Interview the members of the applicant team;
Participate in a public forum for the local community to learn about the proposed school.
Produce a detailed analysis that identifies any deficiencies in the application.
Other considerations
Successful applicants will have a sound plan for:
The founding governing board.
A potential educational facility.
Start-up funding to cover costs prior to receiving per-pupil funding from the state of West Virginia.
Review examples of previously approved applications.
Consider preparing contingency budgets in case early enrollment targets are not met.
Part 2: Application Components and Submission
West Virginia’s charter school application process is more streamlined than in many other states. Still, you’ll need to clearly organize your application and pay attention to detail. Part 2 outlines each component of your charter application and provides guidance for writing a competent application.
Three Things You'll Learn in Part 2:
Specific requirements for each section of the charter application.
Guidance on responding to the most critical parts of the application.
How to apply for competitive federal start-up grants worth up to $1.5 million.
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Understand each section of the application form:
Your application begins with an overview of your proposed school, including initial enrollment projections.
You then complete a series of assurances related to state and federal requirements.
Mission & Vision: State your mission and vision clearly and succinctly.
Educational Model: Respond to each of the prompts.
Governance: Identify founding board members, articulate the structure of the governing board, and attach key governance documents.
Finance: Provide a proposed start-up and 5-year operational budget. Outline all potential revenue, all predicted personnel costs, and other programmatic and operational expenditures.
Potential Attachments:
5-year budget(s)
Internal Fiscal Control Policy
Proof of Statutorily Required Insurance - (be aware that charter schools may receive coverage under the WV Board of Risk and Insurance Management).
Start Up and Operations: Articulate your plan for preparing and opening the school. This includes:
A plan for staffing, start-up funding, and systems building that proves you will be able to open your school on your approved start date.
Your plan for a school facility. Explain how it supports your educational program and provide assurances that you will seek and receive all needed permits as a condition of opening.
Student Enrollment Plans: In addition to providing a plan for recruiting students, you should articulate:
The policies and systems you will build to ensure you run a transparent and random admission policy.
Outreach plan to inform parents of your school, especially in your primary recruitment area.
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One of the greatest challenges in launching a charter school is securing sufficient funding for the planning and early implementation years. The good news? Significant federal funding is available to support your school's success from day one.
The PCSB has secured $12.3 million in federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) funding to assist new and expanding charter schools across the state. Your school could receive up to $1.5 million in start-up funding to turn your educational vision into reality.
What Can CSP Funding Cover?
This funding can support essential start-up expenses such as:
Planning year salaries for your founding team
Curriculum development and instructional materials
Professional development for teachers and staff
Technology infrastructure and classroom equipment
Facility readiness and classroom setup
Student recruitment campaigns
Special education program development
Timing Your Application
Applying for CSP funding is not required as part of your charter authorization application, but it is recommended to pursue both simultaneously. Here's why:
CSP funds can support your planning year activities immediately after authorization.
Dedicated funding makes implementation of your charter plan much more feasible.
Don't miss this opportunity to secure substantial funding for your school launch. PCSB staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance on the CSP application process. Application materials, policies, and complete guides can be found here.
Part 3: Best Practices for Developing and Opening a High-Quality School
A well-crafted application should demonstrate your capacity to establish and operate a successful charter school. Part 3 provides guidance for assembling a quality leadership team, developing your academic programming, and implementing a strong operational foundation. A strong academic program benefits from solid operational support, and both thrive under the leadership of a capable, student-focused leadership.
Three Things You'll Learn in Part 3:
How to build a founding team with the necessary skills and expertise.
Essential components of a strong academic and operational plan.
Frameworks for supporting student success beyond academics.
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A strong leadership team is vital to your school's success. While roles may vary by design and context, ensure core competencies like education and financial management are covered. Use this guide to recruit members with the skills to support your mission.
Founding team composition and roles
Key leadership positions (Executive Director, Principal, Operations Director)
Define clear role descriptions and responsibilities.
Consider using this Leadership Competency Framework.
Board member recruitment and development (sample matrix)
Minimum of 5 board members required; statutory requirements for board composition are found here.
Other resources
Sample board bylaws and policies.
Legal counsel selection.
Experience with WV education law.
Assistance with 501(c)(3) application.
Financial advisor engagement.
Experience with charter school funding.
Assistance with 5-year budget development.
Educational program consultants.
Curriculum development expertise.
Assessment system design.
Special education compliance.
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A strong academic program blends research, planning, and innovation. This section covers key components from research to implementation, ensuring alignment with West Virginia requirements, your vision, and startup realities.
School Study and Site Visits
Consider visits to high-performing schools with similar models.
Interview school leaders about challenges and solutions.
Shadow key staff members in similar roles.
Curriculum framework and alignment
Include scope and sequence for all grade levels.
Detail intervention strategies
Be aware of West Virginia state standards, but understand that charter schools have freedom to choose unique curriculum.
Assessment and data systems
Required state assessments schedule.
Data analysis protocols.
Progress monitoring systems.
Special populations support
Special education service delivery model.
ELL support systems.
Gifted and talented programming.
504 compliance procedures.
Professional development
Summer training schedule.
Ongoing PD calendar.
Teacher evaluation system.
Daily and annual schedule design
Must meet minimum instructional hours per 18-5G-3(c)(5).
Annual calendar.
Staff scheduling chart.
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Strong operations are key to a successful school. This section covers essential systems for efficiency, sustainability, and responsible resource management. Solid planning in budgeting, facilities, and more will support your academic program from day one.
Five-year budget and financial projections
Per-pupil funding calculations.
Staffing costs, including fringe benefits.
Facility costs.
Program expenses.
Staffing model and organizational structure
Organizational chart.
Hiring timeline.
Compensation structure.
Facilities
Space requirements calculator.
Facility compliance checklist.
Renovation timeline.
Safety protocols.
Technology infrastructure plan
Hardware specifications.
Software selections.
Network requirements.
Back-office systems and supports
Financial management.
Human resources.
Student information system.
Data security.
Part 4: Additional Resources to Support School Development
Opening a successful charter school requires careful planning, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Numerous resources are available to support you, from foundational guidance to expert insights. Part 4 highlights tools and materials that can help you refine your educational vision, showcase your leadership capacity, and take proactive steps even before starting the formal application.
Three Things You'll Learn in Part 4:
How to assess and develop your leadership capacity as a charter founder.
Strategies for stakeholder engagement and community support.
How to avoid common pitfalls that other charter school founders encounter.
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Assess and consider building your leadership capacities:
Defining your educational philosophy and mission and vision.
Understanding your leadership style and areas for growth.
Building executive presence and communication skills.
Developing financial and operational literacy.
Establishing mentor relationships with experienced charter leaders.
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Create a clear and compelling vision that will guide your charter development:
Articulating your school's mission and core values.
Defining measurable student success metrics.
Establishing your unique value proposition.
Identifying your target community and student population.
Creating your school culture framework.
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Understand the supports available to applicants:
Start-up funding opportunities through the state and federal government.
Other grants and funding opportunities.
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Consider the following elements so students can succeed in your school:
Academic goals and metrics
State accountability targets
School-specific goals
Progress monitoring
Regular board reporting
School culture and climate plan
Core values implementation
Student handbook
Parent handbook
Behavior management approach
Discipline policy
Positive behavior supports
Crisis intervention
Family engagement strategies
Communication plans
Community partnerships
Family Engagement Guide Samples
Support services
Counseling services
Health services
Transportation
Food service solutions
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A strong base of community interest not only supports a strong application, it also helps with student enrollment from Day 1. Engagement should be an ongoing part of your work and can include all of the following:
Community meeting and information sessions.
Communication plans to help the school recruit staff and students.
Key messages and messengers to speak to community groups, local press, and other validators.
A plan to engage the families and partners that are most excited about your school.
Opposition management.
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Lack of a clear educational plan. Or, educational plans that are not meaningfully different than county boards of education.
Insufficient planning to pay for costs in the start-up, pre-opening period.
Incomplete special populations plans.
Limited board capacity.