The CSI new school application is for teams seeking to open a new charter school with the Charter School Institute.
To learn more about the CSI new school application process, please fill out this short form. This will ensure we can provide you with the most relevant information and resources.
Eligibility to Apply to CSI
Governance
An application may be submitted by one or more individuals, or by a nonprofit, governmental, or other entity or organization. For-profit entities, private schools, current non-charter public schools, and existing charter schools may not apply to CSI through this process.
A governing board must be in place at the time of application submission.
Exclusive Chartering Authority
CSI can consider applications for charter schools proposing to locate districts that do not retain Exclusive Chartering Authority. Additionally, CSI can consider applications for charter schools proposing to locate in districts that retain exclusive chartering authority and have released an applicant to apply directly to CSI.
Groups interested in submitted applications to CSI are encouraged to learn more about Exclusive Chartering Authority in Colorado. Consult the Colorado Department of Education’s list of school districts with and without Exclusive Chartering Authority prior to submitting a New School Application to CSI.
For applicants planning to locate in a district with exclusive chartering authority, applicant must have already communicated with the geographic district about the potential to seek authorization with CSI. Applicants should have the geographic district’s board resolution approving the release to apply to CSI prior to submitting an application. The CSI Board will be unable to act on an application unless the Board of Education of the geographic district releases the applicant.
New School Application Timelines
Prospective applicants should attend a CSI orientation 2-6 months prior to submitting a Letter of Intent.
| Activity | Summer/Fall Cycle | Spring Cycle |
| Application Orientation | Prior to Letter of Intent | Prior to Letter of Intent |
| Letter of Intent Due | June 23, 2025 | February 11, 2026 |
| Application Due | July 28, 2025 | March 11, 2026 |
| Applicant Community Meeting | TBD by Applicant in August or September | TBD by Applicant in April or May |
| Applicant Presentation to CSI Board’s PM Committee | September 9, 2025 | April 14, 2026 |
| Applicant Interview with CSI Review Team | TBD in August or September | TBD in April or May |
| CSI Board’s PM Committee Recommendation | October 7, 2025 | June 2, 2026 |
| CSI Board Action | October 14, 2025 | June 9, 2026 |
Resources
Application Materials
CSI New School Application Template
CSI New School Application Rubric
These materials are specific to applicants applying to the Charter School Institute. If you are applying to a school district, be sure to use the school district’s new school application materials.
Current Applicants
John Adams Academy Application [zip file]
Community Meeting
Monday, May 19
5:00pm-7:00pm
Douglas County Sheriff Department Highlands Ranch Substation 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
CSI seeks to ensure its resources are as accessible as possible. If you experience any difficulty in accessing a resource, please reach out to Communications_CSI@csi.state.co.us