Charter School Application Process 

The charter school application process provides Louisiana non-profit organizations with the opportunity to create schools that parents and guardians desire for their students. The students of Louisiana are diverse and thus, shall be provided with school choice options that best fit their individual needs.

The charter school law was enacted by the Louisiana Legislature to create a structure whereby city, parish, and other local public school boards and BESE can authorize the creation of innovative schools for students in Louisiana. BESE, as an authorizer of Type 2, 4, and 5 charter schools, has the responsibility to implement a comprehensive application process with fair procedures and rigorous criteria, enter into charter contracts with approved charter schools that articulate the rights and responsibilities of each party regarding school autonomy, and provide on-going oversight, including monitoring compliance, measuring progress, and implementing interventions in the areas of academic performance, organizational effectiveness, and financial responsibility.

For additional information on starting a charter school or charter school-specific guidance, please visit the Charter School Library.

Mid-year 2023-2024 New Charter School Request for Applications (Schools slated to open August 2025)

Mid-year New Operator Common Charter Application

  • Nonprofit organization whose primary members (founder and/or proposed school leader) do not have prior experience in leading or managing a public school; and
  • Do not intend to employ an educational service provider (ESP) with prior experience in leading or managing public schools.
  • See the addendum for virtual operators

Mid-year Experienced Operator Common Charter Application

  • Nonprofit organizations whose primary members (founder and/or proposed school leader) have prior experience in leading or managing a single public school; and/or

  • Nonprofit organizations which have operated more than one charter school; and/or

  • Nonprofit organizations which intend to employ an education service provider (ESP) which has operated more than one charter school.
  • See the addendum for virtual operators

Application submission begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI) submission. The LOI must be emailed no later than July 15, 2024, by 5 pm to charters@la.gov.

KEY DATES FOR BESE APPROVED CHARTER APPLICATIONS (Types 2, 4, and 5 Charters)

July 15, 2024 by 5 pm (emailed to charters@la.gov)

  • LDOE application window opens for Types 2, 4, and 5 applicants.
  • Letter of Intent Due

July 23, 2024 by 5 pm (emailed to charters@la.gov)

  • Eligibility Determination Forms Due

 August 26, 2024 by 5 pm (emailed to charters@la.gov)

  • LDOE submission deadline for the full application for Types 2, 4, and 5 applicants. 

December 10-11, 2024

  • Types 2, 4, and 5 Applicants: BESE considers applications for new charter schools.

Please reach out to charters@la.gov with any questions.

Additional Resources

Stay up-to-date with monthly school system planning calls by checking the LDOE School System Calendar.