Ball State University, Office of Charter Schools (OCS) welcomes any organization wanting to start a charter school to apply by following the Charter School Proposal Process for Schools Opening in Fall of 2026.

Written submissions should be clear, concise, and provide compelling reasons for Ball State to authorize the proposed charter school. Meeting deadlines does not guarantee approval. 

Proposal Dates for Schools Opening in Fall 2026 – First Cycle
Tasks Date(s)
Submission of Statement of Interest June 17-July 14, 2024
Submission of Charter Proposal August 23, 2024
Interviews September 3-6, 2024
Public Hearing September 30-October 4, 2024
Final Decision November 6, 2024
Proposal Dates for Schools Opening in Fall 2026 - Second Cycle
Tasks Date(s)
Submission of Statement of Interest November 1-December 15, 2024
Submission of Charter Proposal January 31, 2025
Interviews February 10-14, 2025
Public Hearing March 10-14, 2025
Final Decision April 9, 2025

Evaluation Process

The evaluation process for the charter proposals includes:

  1. A review by OCS staff and external evaluators;
  2. Based on the completeness and quality of the Charter Proposal, an interview with Organizer and other representatives;
  3. Based on a Charter Proposal's quality and interview session, a public hearing in the community where the proposed charter school will be located;

Although OCS makes recommendations as to which proposal(s) to approve, the final decision for charter approval is made at a public hearing before Ball State University’s Charter School Review Committee.

Submission Requirements

Statements of Interest and Charter Proposals shall be submitted both electronically and by regular mail to Ball State University’s Office of Charter Schools, TC-845, Muncie, IN 47306.

Electronic submissions shall be via email to no later than the specified date for the electronic submission.

One copy of the Statement of Interest must be sent by regular mail to Office of Charter Schools postmarked on the specified date for the electronic submission. Ten copies of the Charter Proposals must be sent by regular mail to Office of Charter Schools postmarked on the specified date for the electronic submission.