Charter schools may be started by an individual or group of parents, community leaders, teachers, businesses, municipalities, community colleges, or other legal entities organized under the state’s laws.

  • Under s.1002.33, F.S., the district school board in which the charter school is located is the sponsor or authorizer. District staff provides support and monitors compliance of schools.
  • In Polk County, the School Board of Polk County is authorized to sponsor charter schools.
  • It is the responsibility of the charter school applicants to request technical assistance from the Florida Department of Education.
  • Acceptance of an application for review does not imply or ensure approval of the application.
  • Approval of an application does not authorize the operation of the charter school. Approval of an application authorizes the parties to negotiate a contract to operate the school.

Steps to Apply

Technical Assistance

For technical assistance, please contact the Office of Charter Schools at 863-534-0625.

Submit an Intent to Apply Notice

The applicant is requested to submit a Letter of Intent to candy.amato@polk-fl.net declaring the intent to submit a charter school application 30 days before submission.

The letter of intent should include the following:

  • School name
  • Contact name, telephone, and email address for the application contact person
  • School mission and vision
  • The student population and grade levels
  • Location of the proposed school

Letter of Intent Template

The School Board of Polk County
Office of Charter Schools
Attn: Candy Amato
candy.amato@polk-fl.net

Submit an Application

The applicant will deliver the application produced on the Model Florida Charter School Application according to the Application Instructions to the Office of Charter Schools. Staff will ensure application instruction requirements are adhered to, and the application will be accepted for review.

School Board Decision

The Polk County School Board will vote on the recommendation of the Superintendent within 90 days of the application submission. A timeline waiver may be entered upon agreement, as permitted by statute.

Approved Applicant Training

Section 1002.33(6)(f)2., F.S., requires a charter school applicant to participate in training provided by the Department of Education after approval of an application but at least 30 calendar days before the first day of classes at the charter school. Training is required for approved applicants only (or those pending approval or in the process of an appeal).

If you have not yet applied, please do not register for this training. However, we encourage you to explore the FDOE Charter School website for additional resources or contact FDOE if you have any questions.