New Charter Applicants Document 

• Application Overview

Applicants are required to submit their charter application (both Standard and High Performing replication applications) on the Model Florida Charter School Application (IEPC-M1). The application must meet the requirements of Section 1002.33, Florida Statutes, all related federal and state statutes and regulations, and any additional requirements as set forth by the District School Board of Pasco County. Applications that include an Education Service Provider (ESP) or Management Company must include the IEPC-M1A worksheet as part of State Board of Education approved changes that were first implemented during the 2015 application cycle.

Applicants applying for a Virtual Charter School must complete the Model Virtual Charter School Application(IEPC-V1).

Potential charter applicants are encouraged to attend the Charter Schools Department Fall 2024 Charter Application Orientation to learn about the application process, including requirements, expectations, timelines, and guidance on the completion of the Model Florida Charter School Application. The New Charter School Application Orientation meeting will take place on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. via virtual TEAMS.  Once you register, a TEAMS link will be sent to you. 

Applicants may also schedule an appointment with the Program Coordinator for Charter Schools to discuss the application process and learn more about charter schools in Pasco County and throughout Florida. Please email Jeff Yungmann, Program Coordinator for Charter Schools at jyungman@pasco.k12.fl.us to schedule an appointment.

Application Steps

1. Individuals, groups, organizations and businesses interested in learning more about charter schools or the application process should contact the district’s Charter Schools Department. Upon request, district content area specialists are available to answer technical questions.
2. New applicants should submit a “letter of intent” to the Program Coordinator for Charter Schools no later than 4 weeks prior to the application delivery date. The “letter of intent” should include information about the individuals or group proposing the charter school, the school’s mission and purpose, a brief overview of the educational program and curriculum, the target population, number of students to be served and grade configuration, the proposed location of the school, and the year the charter school will open. Please ensure that the name of the contact person, address, telephone number, and e-mail address are provided.
   Sample Letter of Intent (PDF document)
3. Applications must be submitted in the same format as the Model Florida Charter School Application. Do not alter or make changes to the template. (Rule 6A-6.0786, F.A.C.) Note: If there are any changes to the Model Florida Charter Application, this will be updated based on information from FDOE and can be retrieved under the following link.
4. Applicants are required to submit three (3) bound and tabbed copies of the charter application, with pages numbered consecutively (use a three ring binder) AND one electronic copy (ex: flash drive).
5. Applications submitted to Pasco County Schools are considered final. No changes or revisions will be accepted after submission except pursuant to 1002.33(6)(b), F.S.

6. Completed applications are due to the Program Coordinator for Charter Schools. Applications must be delivered directly to: Jeff Yungmann, Program Coordinator for Charter Schools -  Student Support Programs and Services, Building 8 Pasco County Schools, 20425 Gator Lane, Land O’Lakes, FL 34638.
   Please contact us at (813) 794-2408 If you have specific questions about delivery. 
   Important: A sponsor shall receive and review all applications for a charter school using the evaluation instrument developed by the Department of Education. A sponsor shall receive and consider charter school applications for charter schools to be opened at a time determined by the applicant. [F.S.1002.33(6)(b)].

7. The Charter Application Review Committee, comprised of district staff with expertise in each area of the application, will utilize the “approved” Florida Department of Education’s Model Florida Charter Application Evaluation Instrument (IEPC-M2) to review each application. For Virtual Charter School applications, the “approved” Florida Department of Education’s Florida Virtual Charter School Application Evaluation Instrument (IEPC-V2) will be used to review each virtual application.

8. Charter applicants and the founding governing board will be invited to attend a Capacity Interview with the Charter Application Review Committee at Pasco County Schools District Office. The purpose of the interview process is to provide the committee an opportunity to ask specific questions related to the application, request clarification, as needed, and assess the applicant and founding board’s capacity to open and operate a successful charter school. Applicants are requested to demonstrate flexibility in the scheduling of interviews. IMPORTANT: The Charter Application Review Committee will not accept any revisions to the application following the interview session.

9. Upon completion of the review of the application, the Charter Application Review Committee will make a recommendation to the Superintendent to approve or deny the application based on the standards as outlined in Florida statutes, the Florida Model Charter Application, and The District School Board of Pasco County policy.

10. The Superintendent will make a recommendation to the Pasco County School Board to approve or deny the charter application. The School Board shall have final authority, by majority vote, to approve or deny any application within the time period set forth by law, unless the applicant and the District School Board of Pasco County mutually agree to an extension. Applicants will be notified of the Superintendent’s recommendation at least five days in advance of the School Board meeting.

For additional information, please contact Jeff Yungmann, Program Coordinator for Charter Schools,Student Support Programs and Services, at (813) 794-2408 or via email at jyungman@pasco.k12.fl.us