Charter renewal is one of the most high-stakes moments in a school’s lifecycle. SchoolWorks® partners with operational charter schools to conduct rigorous pre-renewal reviews and develop targeted action plans that help school leaders assess readiness, strengthen performance, and make a compelling case for continued authorization.
SchoolWorks begins each engagement by reviewing the charter’s performance expectations, renewal criteria, and local authorizer context. We then conduct a thorough evaluation of the school’s current performance across multiple domains—academic, operational, financial, and legal/compliance.
Drawing on this review, our team works closely with school leaders to develop a customized action plan that identifies strategic priorities, timelines, and ownership. Our process helps schools not only prepare strong renewal applications, but also take meaningful steps to improve outcomes and operations ahead of the formal evaluation period.
SchoolWorks’ Pre-Renewal Review and Planning services are fully adaptable to each school or network’s renewal timeline, authorizer expectations, and performance context. We offer the following components as standalone services or as part of an integrated pre-renewal support package.
SchoolWorks conducts an independent, evidence-based quality review of the school designed to evaluate performance and renewal readiness in direct alignment with the authorizer’s renewal criteria. Using the authorizer’s framework as the foundation, the review examines academic outcomes, organizational viability, financial health, and compliance through document review, data analysis, and stakeholder input. The resulting findings provide a clear picture of strengths, risks, and areas requiring improvement, helping schools understand how their performance aligns to renewal expectations and where focused action is needed ahead of the formal renewal process.
Using the authorizer’s renewal criteria as the organizing framework, SchoolWorks works with school leadership to translate the findings of the review into a clear improvement plan that prioritizes the most critical areas for renewal readiness. The planning process results in concrete strategies, timelines, and ownership for addressing identified risks, strengthening evidence, and demonstrating progress ahead of the formal renewal decision.
As an optional additional support, SchoolWorks may continue to work with the school team to develop a comprehensive renewal application that clearly reflects alignment to authorizer criteria and strengthens the school’s case for renewal.
Renewal isn’t just about documentation—it’s about demonstrating that your school is delivering on its mission and positioned for continued success. SchoolWorks helps charter schools approach this process with foresight, strategy, and the tools to tell your story with confidence.
Whether you're one year or three years from renewal, our pre-renewal support ensures that your school is equipped to meet the moment—and make the strongest possible case for continued operation.
Explore our blog posts and online course to learn more about our expertise in this area. If your organization would like hands-on support, reach out anytime. Our specialists are happy to talk to you.
“SchoolWorks was instrumental in the development and successful approval of our six charter school applications. Their work brought coherence and focus that resulted in a strong academic program supported by research and best practice that was also grounded in operational and financial stability.”
Kristi Baird
Executive Director, Compass Charter Schools
“We are grateful to the SchoolWorks team for their support though this process. While our staff focused on the day-to-day operations of the school, it was a relief to have reliable and experienced help in preparing the renewal application. The mock site visit helped our team know what to expect during the renewal visit.”
Stephanie Valle
Executive Director, KIPP: Tech Valley Charter School
SchoolWorks® has helped launch more than 100 charter schools. Our specialists work closely with authorizers, associations, incubators, developers, and operators to ensure high-quality options.
Our team members have supported the creation of dozens upon dozens of new school and renewal applications by writing, managing, or coaching school developers.
We understand that every school and situation is unique. We tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs, goals, and challenges of our partners and provide personalized hands-on support.
Ready to take your new or operational charter school to the next level?
Contact us today to learn more about how SchoolWorks® can support you on your journey.
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