GCSA’s Incubator Program and redefinED Announce up to $75,000 for Those Seeking to Launch a High-Quality Charter School

If you are interested in starting a charter school, there is a new grant opportunity that could help you launch a brand new school. Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) is pleased to announce competitive grants of up to $75,000 to support founding school leaders or founding teams working to open within Atlanta Public Schools. This year’s grants are generously provided by redefinED atlanta. The purpose of the GCSA/redefinED atlanta incubator grants is to provide applicants with the ability to devote their time and energy towards launching a high-quality charter school. These grants support the cost of living expenses for applicants, making it possible for them to focus their efforts on launching high-quality schools rather than balancing the intense demands of opening a school while working full-time.
 
There is currently a great need in the city of Atlanta for high-quality public school options. Just two years ago, 44 of Atlanta’s 73 schools were considered for a potential state takeover.  A 2016 data study revealed that based on the school report card grades given by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, almost 60% of schools would be considered low quality (score of below 70) and only 21% could be considered high quality (score of 80 or above). There is also a high demand by Atlanta families for additional options outside of the traditional schools their children are zoned for by address. The combined waitlists for charter schools located in Atlanta Public Schools currently exceed 12,000 applications.
 
The Georgia Charter Schools Association created its incubator program to ensure students of all backgrounds have greater access to excellent educational opportunities through the development of strong leaders and additional high-quality school options. The GCSA/redefinED incubator grants are designed to support those taking part in the incubator program as they work with Georgia Charter Schools Association to provide Atlanta families with additional public school options that can boost academic performance for their children and strengthen the entire public school system in the city of Atlanta. 
 
Those applying for the GCSA/redefinED incubator grants must meet eligibility requirements to be considered.  These requirements include: The identification of a school leader (principal) as part of the application team; The identified school leader (principal) must have experience with school-based leadership, which could include a variety of leadership roles within a school such as, an Instructional Coach, school-based Professional Learning Community (PLC) Lead, Dean, Assistant Principal, or Principal; and the application team or school founder must plan to open their school within Atlanta Public Schools’ attendance zone.
 
The process to receive this grant is competitive. There is no guarantee applicants who meet eligibility requirements will receive a grant. Applicants who are selected for these grants must also apply for the Georgia Charter Schools Association Incubator program and must follow a conflict of interest policy when spending these funds.
 
Those interested in this opportunity must fill out an application for the incubator program and indicate an interest in the GCSA/redefinEd incubator grants.  To be considered, applicants must apply by June 1, 2018. Those applying may be invited to an additional incubator grant final interview that will take place after the in-person GCSA incubator selection process. Final interviews for the GCSA/redefinED incubator grant are expected to take place between June 25 and 27, and offers will be sent by mail on July 2. For additional information, visit the incubator page on Georgia Charter Schools Association’s website. Those applying can be admitted into the GCSA incubator program without receiving a GCSA/redefinED incubator grant.