Application Process
Under Indiana Code § 20-24-3-4, Education One administers a rigorous, multi-phase, invitation-only application process designed to identify and support charter school operators with the capacity to launch and sustain high-quality public charter schools that improve educational opportunities for students and families.
Education One is particularly interested in proposals that respond to demonstrated community needs and expand access to educational options that do not currently exist within a community. We welcome innovative school models, educational approaches, and operator-led solutions that offer students and families meaningful choices. Innovation does not require creating something entirely new; rather, it means providing a distinctive educational experience, instructional approach, mission, or student support model that fills a gap in the local educational landscape.
Successful applicants will demonstrate a deep understanding of the communities they seek to serve and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. Education One values proposals that are informed by community voice, reflect local priorities, and establish authentic partnerships that contribute to long-term sustainability and student success.
Full applications are accepted by invitation only following an initial review process. Advancement through each phase is not guaranteed. Applicants must meet clearly defined criteria at every stage to demonstrate academic quality, organizational readiness, financial viability, governance capacity, and alignment with Education One's mission and quality standards.
This phased approach allows Education One to focus its resources on proposals with the greatest potential to deliver strong student outcomes, fulfill community needs, and sustain long-term success.
Letter of Intent: Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Intent to the Executive Director, outlining the proposed school’s vision, location, target student population, grade levels, anticipated opening date and planned curriculum and operational structure.
Letter of Intent for Multiple Charters
Initial Proposal + Pitch Meeting: Applicants submit a written Initial Proposal Narrative that communicates the foundational components of the school model, the vision, team capacity, community alignment, and operational readiness. This narrative serves as the basis for the Pitch Meeting, where founding teams present their plan to Education One staff. The pitch offers an opportunity to articulate a compelling, coherent, and credible school vision. Only applicants who meet the required criteria may advance to Phase I: Full Application.
Following the invitation, applicants submit a full application, which is reviewed by the Application Review Team, including Education One staff, consultants (e.g., finance, facilities, and academics), and legal counsel as needed. After the initial review, applicants receive written feedback and are provided up to one week to submit revisions addressing identified concerns, gaps, or requests for clarification. This revision period is intended to allow applicants to strengthen their proposal based on reviewer feedback and is not designed to provide sufficient time for the development of substantially new components or a complete redesign of the application. Only applicants who meet the required criteria following the review process may advance to Phase II: Capacity Interview.
Qualified applicants participate in a Capacity Interview with Education One's review team. Participants typically include members of the proposed Governing Board, school leadership team, and founding staff. The interview is designed to assess the applicant's capacity, readiness, and alignment to successfully implement the proposed school model, execute the operational plan, and fulfill the commitments outlined in the application. Particular attention is given to governance, leadership, academic programming, financial planning, community engagement, and the team's ability to address potential challenges.
Only applicants who demonstrate the necessary capacity and readiness to successfully launch and sustain a high-quality charter school may advance to Phase III: School Board Meeting + Public Hearing.
School Board Meeting: Education One staff attend a meeting of the applicant's proposed Governing Board to evaluate the board's effectiveness, governance capacity, and readiness to fulfill its oversight responsibilities. During the meeting, Education One assesses board composition, member engagement, understanding of governance roles, decision-making processes, adherence to meeting norms, and the board's ability to provide strategic leadership and accountability for the proposed school.
Public Hearing: Applicants present their proposal during a public hearing conducted by Education One. This forum provides an opportunity for applicants to share their vision, educational model, and plans for serving the community, while also allowing community members, stakeholders, and interested parties to provide feedback. Public comments may be submitted in person during the hearing or through an online submission process. Feedback received through the public hearing is considered part of Education One's comprehensive evaluation of the proposal and its alignment with community needs.
Following completion of the application review process, the Executive Director prepares a formal recommendation for consideration by the Education One Board of Directors. The recommendation is based on the totality of evidence gathered throughout the application process, including application materials, interviews, governance assessments, public feedback, and other due diligence activities. During a public meeting, the Education One Board of Directors reviews the recommendation, discusses the proposal, and votes to approve or deny the charter application. Applicants are notified of the Board's decision within 24 hours of the vote and provided with information regarding any applicable next steps.