New School Resources
Whether you're preparing to submit a charter school application or launching a newly authorized school, the Missouri Charter Public School Commission provides the resources below to guide you through each stage of the process.
Browse the sections below to find application materials, planning documents, templates, performance guidance, and additional resources to support your school's success.
Applying for a New Charter School
The following resources are intended for organizations interested in applying to establish a Missouri charter public school.
- Step 1: Apply for a Charter School
Charter School Application
Complete application requirements and instructions for submitting a new charter school proposal.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/application-new-school
Letter of Intent
Organizations planning to apply should begin by reviewing the Letter of Intent requirements and submission instructions.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/letter-intent-and-instructions
Prospectus Components & Guidelines
Review the required prospectus components and expectations before beginning your application.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/prospectus-components-and-guidelines-0
Budget Template
Official financial template used during the application process.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/file/charter-application-budget
Subject to change.
Enrollment Table Template
Estimate projected student enrollment using the official enrollment template.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/template-enrollment-table
Board Member Survey
Required survey for board members participating in the application process.
- Step 2: Develop Performance Goals
Performance goals define the academic, operational, financial, and organizational outcomes your school will achieve throughout its charter term. These resources provide examples, guidance, training, and evaluation criteria to help you develop strong, measurable goals aligned with MCPSC expectations. The goal bank provides sample goals, the handbook explains how to write effective goals using the SMAART framework, and the key performance measures outline how the Commission evaluates school performance.
Performance Goal Bank
Review sample academic, governance, finance, and school climate goals that can be used as a starting point when developing your school's unique performance goals.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/performance-goal-bank
Performance Goal Handbook
Learn the essential elements of effective performance goals, including how to create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Ambitious and Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMAART) and align them with your school's mission and baseline data.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/performance-goal-handbook
Performance Goal Training Slides
Presentation materials that walk applicants through the performance goal development process, including gathering baseline data, selecting appropriate measures, defining metrics and targets, and distinguishing performance goals from board goals.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/performance-goal-powerpoint-training-slide-deck
Key Performance Measures Presentation
An overview of the Commission's recommended performance measures and how they are incorporated into charter school performance contracts.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/mcpsc-performance-contract-key-measures-presentation
Key Performance Measures Report
A comprehensive report describing the research, methodology, and recommended academic, financial, operational, governance, and post-secondary performance measures used to evaluate charter school success.
Resource: https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/mcpsc-performance-contract-key-measures
Why Performance Goals Matter
Well-written performance goals establish clear expectations for student achievement and organizational success while providing measurable benchmarks that support accountability throughout the charter term. These resources are intended to help applicants create goals that are meaningful, data-driven, and tailored to their school's unique mission and educational model.
- Step 3: After Authorization
Once your charter school has been approved, complete the required compliance activities before opening.
Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC)
Authorized schools should review Missouri Ethics Commission filing requirements.
- Step 4: Prepare for Opening
These resources help newly authorized schools successfully prepare for opening day.
MCPSC Pre-Opening Plan
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/pre-opening-plan
New School Launch Framework
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/new-school-launch-framework
Pre-Opening Resource Guide
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/pre-opening-resource-guide
Submission Requests
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/fy24-mcspc-submission-requests
- Additional Resources
Helpful information related to funding, governance, state requirements, and charter school operations.
Funding & Finance
Boone County ASBR Information & Analysis
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/file/fy26-boone-county-asbr-info-and-analysis
Boone County New Charter Funding Executive Summary
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/boone-county-funding-executive-summary
DESE School Finance Calculation Tool
https://dese.mo.gov/financial-admin-services/school-finance/calculation-tools
Governance
MCPSA Model Bylaws
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/bylaws
Charter Glossary
https://mcpsc.mo.gov/media/pdf/charter-glossary
Missouri Requirements & Guidance
Missouri Charter School Statutes
https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=160.400
Subject to change.
Kindergarten Age Requirement for Charter Schools
CSIP Optional Participation – DESE Letter
Reference Materials
Closure Plan Case Study – Pathway Academy
Need Assistance?
If you have questions regarding the application process, authorization requirements, or pre-opening expectations, please contact the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.
The Commission is available to assist prospective applicants and newly authorized schools throughout every phase of the charter school development process.