Today, October 22^nd, is a key deadline for parents and community leaders who wish to open a charter school under Washington’s voter-approved charter school law.  Charter schools are popular with parents because they allow local educators to adapt their learning program to meet children’s needs. Notices of Intent to submit an application are due today.  

So far, nineteen parent and local education leaders have filed these notices with the state  charter school commission.  More may be on their way because applicants have all day today to mail their Notice of Intent to the commission in Olympia.  

I am aware at least one group is also planning to submit an application to Spokane Public Schools. That makes 20 groups so far that are seeking one of the eight available charter school spots permitted.  Under  Washington’s new charter school law, a total of forty charter schools are allowed to open over the first five years. The process has just started and already community demand is outstripping the number of available charter school openings.

The state commission website has information on nine of the applications, and the Spokane Review reports on the application in Spokane.  Here is a quick rundown. 

Word is fast spreading about the potential for children that charter schools offer.  I’ll continue to post updates as the application process continues.

This report is part of WPC’s I-1240 Follow Up Project.