States Get Charter School Grants: Apps Open Now!
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is offering grants in 2025 to state groups that help open and grow high-quality charter schools. These grants support new schools, expansions, and provide expert help to make sure schools run smoothly and responsibly. Applications open January 21 and must be in by April 21, so states can boost great school options for kids soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal grants to open and expand charter schools
For FY 2025, the Department of Education is offering CSP State Entity grants that fund State programs which award subgrants to open, replicate, or expand high-quality charter schools and provide technical assistance. Applications were made available January 21, 2025, and must be transmitted by April 21, 2025.
Preference for states providing charter facilities support
One competitive preference priority awards points to State entities located in States that provide facilities support to charter schools, including funding for facilities, assistance with acquisition, access to public facilities, sharing in bonds or mill levies, right of first refusal for public buildings, or low- or no-cost leasing. Meeting this priority can earn up to 2 additional competitive preference points in the FY 2025 competition.
Priority for serving at-risk students
Competitive Preference Priority 5 awards up to 3 additional points to State entities that demonstrate support for charter schools serving at-risk students through activities like dropout prevention, dropout recovery, or comprehensive career counseling services. This priority applies in the FY 2025 competition.
Limits and transparency for for-profit management contracts
State entities must ensure that charter schools receiving CSP funds do not enter contracts that allow a for-profit management organization to exercise full or substantial administrative control; schools must maintain control of CSP funds and post management contracts on their websites annually with cost and contract details. These requirements appear in the FY 2025 notice and associated assurances.
Required disclosure of enrollment rules and fees
Each charter school receiving CSP funding must disclose during enrollment any policies, fees, or requirements (for example uniform costs or family participation expectations) and any services that are or are not provided (for example transportation or National School Lunch Program participation). This disclosure requirement is part of the FY 2025 assurances.
Encouraging shared transportation to lower costs
An invitational priority encourages State entities to support subgrant applicants that include shared transportation plans or systems that reduce transportation costs, including cost-sharing, free or reduced fares, or district-provided/shared transportation. The Secretary expressed interest in funding such collaborations in the FY 2025 competition.
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Key Dates
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Previous: 2025-01379, Applications for New Awards; Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP)-Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants)
The Department of Education is offering new grants in 2025 to help top charter school groups grow and open more high-quality schools. If you run or work with a charter management organization, you can apply by April 21, 2025, to get funding that supports expanding great schools for more students. There’s also a helpful webinar coming up to guide applicants through the process.
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