School Startup & Growth
Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do
Do you have a passion for educating kids? Do you dream of opening a new, innovative school? The team of subject matter experts at the Institute can help every step of the way, including with the charter application, board recruitment, facility identification, budget preparation, and pre-operational project planning processes.
Charter Application
The charter application process is akin to a multi-stage job interview, and when successful it results in a contract. Just like a job interview, first impressions are pivotal. A successful charter application presents a flawless image of the founding team’s ability to execute on its vision. The Institute team, based on their deep experience as both authorizers and operators, can help charter applicants make an excellent first impression.
If you are looking to start a charter school in Michigan, let us help you develop the idea behind your school and walk you through the first steps of creating a thorough and compelling charter school application that stands out from the rest. Learn more here!
Board Recruitment
As Jim Collins phrases it in Good to Great, “First who, then what.” Often when board recruitment is discussed, the focus is “skill sets.” The Institute relies on Jim Collins’ advice to “get the right people on the bus - first who, then what.” We identify and recruit board members who share the vision and mission of the school, are sincerely committed to and reflective of the community to be served, and have the characteristics to work on a board that will be expected to “speak with one voice.” Finally, the boards we develop understand their role is to govern and not to manage or micromanage.
Facilities
Identifying the correct facility at each stage of a charter schools growth is critical. Significant work and resources comes with bringing an existing facility into compliance with local codes. The Institute has the expertise to help you with all your facility needs. Please see our menu of facility related services.
Pre-operational Project Planning
A school that is built to last is one that when its doors open for the first time, is functioning so well that it is impossible to distinguish it from a school that has been open for three years. Proper prior planning can result in a successful opening day and the Institute team has the experience to help your team achieve this success.
First Year Growth and Beyond
A charter school’s success in its first year of operation is as predictive as a freshman’s success in the first year of high school. The Institute’s team is prepared to support your school as it navigates all the “firsts” experienced during the start-up year. Even better, we can help you predict what is ahead and prepare for it.