Charter Schools

What is a Charter School?

    • Charter schools are independent public schools operated by a non-profit organization.
    • They hire their own teachers, design their own academic program, and control their own finances.
    • They have their own board of directors that make decisions for the school.
    • Some charter schools choose to hire a management company to support school functions.

What must a Charter School do?

    • Ensure student health and safety is top priority.
    • Provide a curriculum that meets the Florida Standards and Sunshine State Standards.
    • Hire certified teachers.
    • Assess students in accordance with Florida's accountability assessments.
    • Safeguard taxpayer funding and exercise fiscal responsibility.

Who oversees Charter Schools?

    • Charter schools are accountable to a Sponsor, which in Florida, is the local school district in which they reside.
    • The Charter Schools Office, at the direction of the Superintendent and the Hillsborough County School Board, provides direct oversight of local charter schools.
    • A charter school's non-profit Board of Directors is responsible for ultimate oversight and success of their school.

    Parents and Community members interested in information about a charter school may contact the school.

Contacts

  • For questions or information regarding the oversight, support, and authorization of charter schools call or email:
    (813) 272-4049 between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm
    charterinfo@hcps.net

    Charter Office
    901 East Kennedy Boulevard
    Tampa, Florida 33602

    Do you have specific school questions? Please call the school directly.
    Charter Schools List

    Do you have concerns about your charter school? Please contact your school's Representative.
    View Representatives

    For more information on reporting an unresolved student welfare compliant to the Special Magistrate, please see the procedures outlined on Unresolved Student Welfare Complaints

Highlights

  • The recently reformatted 2023 Model Florida Charter & Virtual Applications are now available:

    - Model Florida Charter School Application (2023) - Word  |  PDF

    - Model Florida Virtual Charter School Application (2023) - Word  |  PDF

    - Model Florida Charter School Application High-Performing Charter School System Replication (2023) - Word  |  PDF