Delaware charter schools are public schools meant to provide an alternative to the state’s 19 traditional school districts. As the authorizer for 21 of Delaware’s 23 charter schools, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) is responsible for charter school approvals, closures, renewals, and modifications.
Approvals
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) approves applications for opening Delaware charter schools. Applications for new charter schools must align with the intent of current legislation and result in schools that will produce strong educational outcomes.
New charter school applications are due each year between November 1 and December 31.
To open a charter school in Delaware, applicants must review the charter school organizational and financial performance frameworks and submit the below items. The frameworks outline academic, organizational and financial expectations for Delaware charter schools.
- Letter of Intent – Return completed form by Thursday, November 30, 2024.
- New Charter Application – This application is electronic. A link will be provided after you have submitted a completed letter of intent.
- Budget Project Sheets
- Revenue Estimates
The DDOE publishes submission information for charter schools completing the application process as well as documentation for any charter schools that were denied or withdrew from this process. Please note, published information is for the current school year plus the three additional previous school years.
Modifications
Opportunities for schools to grow and change do not always conveniently occur at the time of a charter school’s renewal. As a result, charter schools may submit a Modification Application to propose areas they would like to amend in their approved charters.
- Major Modification Application, including parameters for what qualifies as a major or minor modification
- Minor Modification Application, including criteria and examples
- Modification Application Budget Projection Sheets
- Modification Revenue Estimates
2023 – 2024 Modifications
Previous Modifications
Renewals
Delaware charter schools must regularly review their Delaware charters. Usually this process takes place once every five years. To renew a charter, a school must
- Submit a written charter renewal request to the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)
- Attend a series of meetings hosted by DDOE’s Charter School Office
- Attend public hearings and allow time for a public comment period
Delaware’s Secretary of Education then submits a renewal decision to the Delaware State Board of Education.
2024 – 2025 Renewals
2023 – 2024 Renewals
Previous Renewals
Formal Review
Formal Review is the lawful investigation of a charter school to determine whether the school is violating the terms of its charter.
2023 – 2024 Formal Reviews
Closures
There are times when a Charter School must close. When this occurs, schools are asked to follow a closure protocol.
Please note, if you need a copy of your High School transcript for the following closed schools, please contact our office at (302) 735-4020 or email request. All other transcript request should contact Delaware Public Archives at (302) 744-5000.
- Delaware Academy of Public Safety and Security
- The Maurice J. Moyer Academic Institute
- Pencader Business & Finance Charter High School
- Design Thinking Academy
