Massachusetts Charter Schools

Apply to Open a Charter Public School


Apply to Open a Charter Public School (Current Board of Trustees)

The Application for a Massachusetts Commonwealth and Horace Mann Public Charter School for Current Boards of Trustees is for use only by current boards of trustees applying for additional charter(s). Current boards of trustees are exempt from submitting an initial application but must still meet proven provider requirements, if applicable.

Boards of trustees must submit a complete final application for each proposed school in the network which addresses the criteria that is set forth in the charter statute, G.L. c. 71, § 89, and the charter school regulations, 603 CMR 1.04(3) and further elaborated in the Application for a Massachusetts Charter Public School for Current Boards of Trustees.

Boards of trustees that currently hold the charter(s) of school(s) that have undergone one successful renewal; are not presently under conditions or probation; and are identified as in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations are eligible to participate in the one stage cycle. Charter schools that do not meet all of these parameters may consult with the Department regarding their unique circumstances and eligibility. The final application review process for current boards of trustees is virtually identical to other categories of applicants.

Schedule for 2025-2026 Charter School Application and Review Process Timeline for Current Boards of Trustees

ActionDue Date
Letter of Intent Submission WindowRecommend Submission by June 11, 2025;
Accepted until August 1, 2025
Final Application DeadlineTuesday, November 4, 2025 by 12:00 noon
Public HearingsDecember 2025
Final Applicant InterviewsDecember 2025
Commissioner Decision and Board Vote (if recommended)February 2026


  • FY2026 Enrollment Projections by District for New Applications and Expansion Amendments
    The 2025-2026 projections do not guarantee the number of seats available for award in any district in FY2026. The actual number of seats that may be available for award in any district in any particular year cannot be predicted with certainty and is dependent on several factors, including district enrollment, district spending levels, student enrollment for existing charter schools, and changes in the net school spending caps of individual districts.

Please contact Alyssa Hopkins with any questions about seat availability or the 2024-2025 charter application process.

Last Updated: April 30, 2025