There’s still time to apply for GCSA’s Charter Incubator Program! Come learn from experts while also receiving the individualized coaching you need to get your charter petition approved in Georgia.
“My experience has been really great. I really admire the power of the cohort. My cohort members and I have become lifelines for each other. There’s nothing like going through something with someone who thoroughly understands it,” says Alaina Chipman Leaks, a 2019 GCSA Charter Incubator Candidate. Leaks is petitioning to open Atlanta Dream Academy in the fall of 2020.
During last year’s petition cycle 100 percent of the GCSA Charter Incubator candidates who applied to the State Charter Schools Commission received approval.
“What makes the Georgia Charter Schools Association Incubator Program different from others is that we’re really tailored to Georgia,” says Aarti Sharma, GCSA’s Vice President of New School Development. “Our program is directly corresponding to local petitions and the State Charter School petition here in Georgia. We’re designed to get you through that process successfully.”
GCSA is looking for applicants from all academic and business backgrounds. Candidates should have a deep belief that all students deserve access to an excellent education regardless of their background. Strong consideration will be given to applicants with grit and perseverance; strong research and writing skills; a focus on high standards; and a history of achievement in in an academic, professional, or volunteer setting.
Applicants can either apply as an individual or a team (teams will be given strong preference to create a charter school. The team will be expected to serve as the founding governing board of the school. Teams that desire to serve a high-need, low-income community in either an urban or rural community will be given stronger consideration.
If you are selected to participate in the program, all incubator members will be required to attend 10 in-person training sessions between July and December that are directly tied to the charter petition process. Some additional trainings will take place on Thursday evenings via webinar.
Applications are due on Wednesday, May 29. Apply now! Visit this page to view a list of frequently asked questions.
