Cynthia Millinger of CSS established the FOCUS DC Startup Program in 2004 to help founders design effective charter schools, and she continues this role today. The FOCUS Startup Program was recognized in the National Alliance's 2008 publication, Principles and Standards for Quality Charter Support Organizations, as an effective CSO that cultivates quality by enabling 75% of FOCUS-supported groups to be chartered.
Devising and Establishing Startup Programs
Many states and districts have organizations that support operational charter schools but not necessarily charter school founding groups. Charter School Startup can assist Charter Support Organizations (CSOs) in devising a program that recruits capable founding members and guides them through the rigorous process of applying for a charter.
Startup programs are tailored to the specific state and/or district charter requirements and incorporate a formalized series of workshops and technical assistance services that support founding groups throughout the petition process.
Charter School Startup helps CSOs:
- Locate and recruit talented potential applicants
- Create practical written resources to guide applicants through the planning process
- Conduct informative workshops to assist applicants in their school design
- Provide experienced technical assistance to coach applicants in their draft writing
- Offer continued guidance through the opening of approved schools
- Gain the respect of the authorizer by establishing a mutually beneficial working relationship that results in the chartering of successful schools