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Navigating the Charter School Application

The Division of Charter School Authorizing is excited to announce our upcoming webinar series Navigating the Charter School Application Process. This two-part series will provide valuable insights into the process of applying for an open-enrollment charter school in Texas.  

Whether you're new to the charter school landscape or have previously applied for a charter without success, this webinar aims to provide insight into key areas of our application process well in advance of our application launch. In doing this, we hope to provide more time for applicants to build a foundation for a stronger application. 

Webinar Highlights

On June 12, 2026, our second session, we will explore:

• Charter School State Funding
• Components of the Financial Plan
• Aspects of Charter School Operations and Facilities

Registration Information

• Dates: June 12, 2026
• Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm Central Standard Time
• Register for the June session 

Prior Webinar Sessions

The Division of Charter School Authorizing also conducted a session on April 22, 2026. That session can be viewed . 

In that session we explored: 

• Comprehensive Application Overview
• Important Timelines and Milestones
• Defining Eligibility and Strong Governance
• Meeting Community Needs

Subchapter D: Open-Enrollment Charter Schools

This application cycle is now closed. 

Subchapter D charters are open-enrollment charter schools operated by an eligible entity as defined in . The state may grant open-enrollment charters to the following entities:

• An institution of higher education as defined under ;
• A private or independent institution of higher education as defined under ;
• An organization that is exempt from taxation under , Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C.S. Section 501(c)(3)]; or
• A governmental entity.

In addition, the commissioner of education may grant a charter to high-performing entities.

For an applicant to be eligible for consideration as a high-performing entity, the applicant must demonstrate one of the following criteria:

• The entity is affiliated with a charter operator that operates one or more charter schools in another state. 
• The affiliated charter operator must have performed at an overall level that is comparable to the highest or second highest performance rating category under TEC, Chapter 39, Subchapter C, or the entity must propose to operate the charter school program that is currently implemented in the affiliated charter operator's existing charter schools. A charter operator may be considered affiliated with an entity if it utilizes shared structures, practices, or materials, including, but not limited to, a shared management structure, shared financial management or staff development practices, or shared proprietary materials, including those related to instruction.
• The entity is currently operating charter programs under TEC, Chapter 12, Subchapter C or E. The entity must have performed at an overall level in the highest or second highest performance rating category under TEC, Chapter 39, Subchapter C.

Note: In accordance with SB 569, applicants may apply for a Full-Time Virtual / Full-Time Hybrid Campus. Please refer to the corresponding Virtual Addendum included in each application.

The Generation 31-Subchapter D application documents, recordings, and resources can be accessed through the following links. 

Subchapter E: Public College or University Open-Enrollment Charter Schools

This application cycle is now closed. 

Subchapter E charters are open-enrollment charter schools operated by an eligible entity as defined in . The state may grant open-enrollment charters to the following entities:

• a public senior college or university for an open-enrollment charter school to operate on the campus of the public senior college or university or, subject to Subsection (b), at another location in any county in this state; or
• a public junior college for an open-enrollment charter school to operate on the campus of the public junior college or in the same county in which the campus of the public junior college is located.

Note: In accordance with SB 569, applicants may apply for a Full-Time Virtual / Full-Time Hybrid Campus. Please refer to the corresponding Virtual Addendum included in each application.

The Generation 31-Subchapter E application documents, recordings, and resources can be accessed through the following link. 

Subchapter G: Adult Education Charter Schools

This application cycle is now closed. 

Subchapter G charters are adult education open-enrollment charter schools operated by an eligible entity as defined in . The state may grant adult education charters to the following entities:

• a nonprofit entity,
• a school district,
• an entity granted a charter under Subchapter D,
• a general academic teaching institution, public junior college, or public technical institute, as defined by TEC Section 61.003, and;
• the entity, or a member of the entity ’s executive leadership, has a successful history of providing education services, including industry certifications and job placement services, to adults 18 years of age and older whose educational and training opportunities have been limited by educational disadvantages, disabilities, homelessness, criminal history, or similar marginalizing circumstances.

Note: In accordance with SB 569, applicants may apply for a Full-Time Virtual / Full-Time Hybrid Campus. Please refer to the corresponding Virtual Addendum included in each application.

The 2025-2026 Subchapter G application documents, recordings, and resources can be accessed through the following link. 

Additional Resources

Other helpful resources and links.