STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
The State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia (SCSF) seeks to leverage resources from private and public charitable sources to expand educational access, opportunity and attainment for children in Georgia through a comprehensive approach that reflects the needs of the schools and the broader ecosystem in Georgia.
1
Planning Grants
Designated for founding charter school boards and charter schools after approval by the State Charter School Commission to support “Year Zero,” or the planning year prior to student enrollment. The key activities during this year include, but are not limited to, recruiting and hiring school leaders and staff; curriculum and other academic purchases and contracts; refining financial and operational plans; training the governing board; securing a facility; and engaging families in the community to enroll in the school. A national study of charter schools found that performance in the first few years is a strong indicator of later performance (Peltason and Raymond, “Charter School Growth and Replication,” 2014). Planning Grants will help ensure that school leaders, board members, faculty/staff, students and families are prepared to start the opening school year strong.
2
Implementation Grants
Designated for charter schools currently in operation. Charter schools can apply for these grants at any point in operation, from the first year forward. These grants are designed to support the implementation of specific projects, programs or initiatives that support academic achievement of students and is aligned with the mission, vision, purpose and values of the school. State charter schools represent innovative and unique educational opportunities for students in Georgia. The academic models include innovative approaches such as Japanese immersion, STEM, nontraditional educational settings and arts infusion, to name a few. Implementation grants will support programs and projects enhancing student experiences, ultimately advancing educational opportunity and attainment.
3
Capital Cost Grants
Designated for charter schools currently in operation. Charter schools can apply for these grants at any point in operation, from the first year forward. These grants are designed to support the purchase or renovation of capital assets including, but not limited to, facilities, transportation, equipment and technology. Capital costs represent a significant portion of per pupil allocation; state charter schools are not eligible to access district surplus facilities as are locally approved charters. Additionally, many state charter schools serve a broad enrollment area with multiple districts creating transportation burdens for both the school and families. Finally, capital cost grants can support the infusion of equipment and technology to support the educational approach and innovations aligned with the school mission, vision, purpose and values.
4
Growth Grants
Designated for charter schools with a track record of academic, financial and operational performance. Charter schools can apply for these grants after several years of success as determined and measured by the State Charter Schools Commission Comprehensive Performance Framework (CPF). These grants are designed to support the growth of excellent charter schools via expansion of enrollment, replication in a new location or on a second campus, or dissemination of best practices through partnership with other schools.
The Foundation is exploring other key activities
as a part of its strategic plan.
Building a network for state charter school educators, families and communities
Delivering technical support to state charter schools
Advocating for state charter schools by sharing stories and information with business, philanthropic and civic leaders