Start a Charter School

MAPSA helps applicant groups build a strong foundation for opening a quality charter school through coaching, technical assistance, networking and more. Quality development of a quality school is critical to your success.  

Charter Prep Training 

Charter Application Reviews & New School Development Coaching

Grand Valley State University Accepting Charter Applications

Interested applicants can find the “Phase I” application on Grand Valley’s Charter School Web site at www.gvsucso.org. The new law is aimed at existing, high-performing operators but the process is open to any applicants interested in operating a charter authorized through Grand Valley.  Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office will review the applications based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: a promising vision, sound instructional plan, a quality educational program, and a sound business plan evidencing the ability to offer excellent programs. Applicants should be prepared to meet high standards both at the application level and throughout the term of the contract. Grand Valley reserves the right to accept or reject any application and to announce individual or extended application periods.

Click HERE to download GVSU's Phase One application. 

Technical Support Required Per Federal Charter School P/I Grant 

Charter Start is a year-long comprehensive new school development program for applicants applying for the MDE Federal Charter School Planning & Implementation Grant. In order to participate in Charter Start, a signed letter of intent between MAPSA and the non-profit entity applying for the grant is required per Federal Grant requirements. In order to determine eligibility for participation in Charter Start to meet the Federal Grant requirement, contact Angela Laugh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 313.618.3399.  See below for more detailed informaiton on MAPSA's Charter Start program. 

Click HERE for an MDE overview of the last Charter School P/I Grant. No grant deadlines are announced at this time. We encourage you to focus on the questions and rubric, with anticipation of a NEW and likely revised grant application and announcement per MDE's grant schedule. Stay posted for more information! 

Click HERE for a copy of the MDE Proposal Development Guide.

Please note the Walton Family Foundation has modified the Start Up grant process beginning January 1, 2010. Applicant groups who are planning a charter school in or near the city of Detroit may be eligible for planning and/or start-up grants from the Walton Family Foundation. Eligible groups will meet these criteria:

• Demonstrate strong potential for delivering excellent academic results for K-12 students, as measured by standardized achievement tests;

• Serve significant low-income student populations;

• Not represent a for-profit entity;

• Have an endorsement from a Foundation member or one of our state-based grant partners (MAPSA and/or Walton);

• And, draw a majority of its students from one of WFF's targeted districts (for Michigan the targeted district is Detroit Public Schools)

If you meet all of the above criteria, visit the WFF K-12 Education Reform web page for details on the Start Up Grant. After reviewing information on each grant, MAPSA recommends securing a meeting with the Director of New School Development for an introduction to Walton Grant submissions. Completed application should be submitted to Angela Laugh at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Questions for this grant program can also be directed to   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  .

The upcoming 2010 deadlines for submitting START UP grant applications are: 

April 1, 2010 and October 1, 2010

*Applications will be reviewed according to the cycle dates listed above, and may be submitted at anytime. 

Applicant Packages

Just as our charter schools are unique, so are your needs. There are several applicant packages available to fit within your strategy and budget and we can help customize a plan to your unique needs and goals if one of our packages does not encompass them.

Click HERE to preview and download a flyer outlining MAPSA's support through Charter Prep and Charter Start. Each package below falls into either Charter Prep or Charter Start, based on your individual needs and goals. MAPSA New School Development Team will assist you in determining which package and services best meet your development team's needs. 

There are three available packages available to you, and our New School Development Team stands ready to assist you in all aspects of charter school planning and operations.

Charter Start is a comprehensive year-long program with new school development curriculum and experts to assist in the development of your charter school and will prepare you to open a school from the ground up. All Michigan Department of Education Planning & Implementation Grantees may include Charter Start to meet MDE Planning Grant requirements for qualified technical assistance per grant requirements. Grantees are no longer automatically enrolled in Charter Start. Please conact us for more details.

Click HERE to learn more about Charter Start.

The Applicant Network assists charter founder groups in the development of new charter schools through technical support. Technical support includes networking tools, communication, one on one coaching,

 Click HERE to learn more about The Applicant Network.

The Online Learning Community (OLC) provides networking tools and electronic communications for new school developers to collaborate and communicate with other charter school developers and our new school development team.

Click HERE to learn more about MAPSA’s Online Learning Community.

If you would like more information on MAPSA New School Development packages or training, please contact Angela at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

For additional support with your planning and development process, please see the resources below. We encourage you to review ALL resources, link, and forms before determining next steps.

Begin Chartering