Thank you for your interest in applying to the Limestone Charter Association
Below you will find a timeline of the application process, links for required document submission, and resources to aid in application development.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please reach out to Donna Manning, Executive Director of Authorization and School Development at dmanning@limestonecharters.org
Authorization
Timeline of Events
November - December
Charter School Application technical assistance sessions will be provided by LCA staff during the months of October and November. During these sessions, LCA staff will provide an overview of the LCA charter school application review process, review the sections of the SCDE application, and answer any questions from the Planning Committee members.
A Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted to BOTH the Sponsor and the SCDE by 5:00 PM on November 1st
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Submit a copy of the LOI to LCA at: info @limestonecharters.org
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Access to the SCDE LOI Portal for submission can be found HERE.
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LOIs must be submitted by the November deadline in order to be eligible to apply for a charter school in February.
February
-March
Charter School Applications are due February 1st by 5:00 PM. Incomplete applications or applications received after 5:00 PM on February 1st may not be considered for review.
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Copies of the charter school application and all supporting documents must be submitted to BOTH the Sponsor and the SCDE by the established deadline.
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LCA will send a secure folder for application submission to the point of contact indicated on the LOI submitted in November.
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Planning groups may access the SCDE application documents HERE.
The LCA Application Review Process will take place during the months of February and March. In person Capacity Interviews for the Planning Committee will take place at the LCA offices in Columbia, during the month of March. Planning Committees will be notified of their specific Capacity Interview date and time.
April
Charter School Application hearings will take place on the campus of Limestone University, in Gaffney, during the month of April. Planning Committees will be notified of their specific hearing date. During these public hearings, the LCA board will make determinations on the submitted charter school applications.
May
Newly approved schools will come together and meet with the Limestone Charter Association team for a welcome and orientation day.
Webinars
New School
Application
LCA is committed to the highest levels of quality for itself and the schools it authorizes. LCA’s work is guided by the mission to serve as the cornerstone of charter school authorization in South Carolina and to facilitate a positive educational environment that fosters school autonomy through support and oversight to its member schools.