Public Charter Schools Program--Planning and Implementation Discretionary Subgrant Grant

The South Carolina Department of Education offers the Public Charter Schools Program Discretionary Subgrant to foster the development and initial operation of new charter schools. This competitive grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to enhance access to quality education by supporting innovative educational models and addressing achievement gaps. Eligible new charter schools can apply for funding to cover planning and implementation costs, ensuring they are effectively launched to benefit underserved student populations.

South Carolina Department of Education
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is the state agency responsible for overseeing public education and advancing student success across South Carolina. The Department envisions a future where all students graduate college-ready, career-ready, or military-ready, with a statewide goal of increasing the percentage of students performing at or above grade level. Its funding and program priorities focus on improving student achievement, expanding equitable access to high-quality education, strengthening instructional practices, supporting educators, and implementing evidence-based initiatives that promote academic success, workforce readiness, and community engagement.
Public Charter Schools Program--Planning and Implementation Discretionary Subgrant
The South Carolina Department of Education offers the Public Charter Schools Program Planning and Implementation Discretionary Subgrant to support the development, startup, and initial operation of new charter school. Funded through the U.S. Department of Education under the Charter Schools Program, this competitive grant helps expand access to high-quality charter schools across the state. Funding may be used for planning and program design activities, including refining educational models, professional development, and establishing performance measures, as well as initial implementation costs such as curriculum development, instructional materials, equipment, and community outreach. The grant prioritizes proposals that demonstrate strong educational frameworks, address achievement gaps, and support underserved or at-risk student populations. Overall, the program aims to strengthen South Carolina’s public education system by supporting innovative, high-quality charter schools and ensuring they are effectively planned and launched with sustainable, student-centered approaches.

Eligibility

A new charter school that has received approval from its chartering sponsor (authorizer) to open in the 2026–27 or 2027–28 school year may submit a subgrant application for this funding round (see Appendix A, Definition of Terms Used of the Request for Proposals document).A charter school that meets the federal definition of a charter school and is in the first year of operation may apply for an implementation-only subgrant for up to 24 months.A new charter school that has not yet received an approval/denial determination from its sponsor (authorizer) may also submit a subgrant application. However, to receive subgrant funds, the charter school must be officially approved by a sponsor (authorizer). Funds will not be awarded until the granting of a charter is confirmed.