Setting the Stage for Success

Many new schools struggle with enrollment and business operations in their first three years which can risk their ability to not only stay focused on building excellent schools, but also to stay open. To get ahead of those issues, this community of charter school founders is working alongside one another to successfully and sustainably launch their new schools. 

Participation in the LAUNCH cohort is free. Participants can expect to build meaningful relationships with similar-stage founders, engage with programming to prepare for a successful launch, and collaboratively solve shared challenges. 
 
Ideal participants are approximately 18 months from launch with an approved charter application or clear pathway to authorization. In alignment with the League’s principles, participants must be committed to serving all students in a range of geographies around the state where quality choices or quality schools are less prevalent.

Launch Cohort programming includes:
  • Monthly cohort meetings / workshops to support the launch of your schools and solve problems
  • Participant stipends & access to grants for recruitment and enrollment strategies
  • 1:1 customized coaching
  • Networking with other founding teams
  • Scholarship to attend the League’s Annual Conference
Teams must meet the following prerequisites:
  • Offer a highly effective and innovative choice for students and families in their target community
  • Provide a program that provides equitable access to a high-quality education
  • Be in a position to open their school within the next 18 months
  • Be approved and contracted by their authorizing district, or, have a clear path to authorization
  • Engage in a collaborative way with similar-stage founders in the cohort 
  • Commit to a minimum three hours per month of active engagement in meetings and follow-up

Our 2025-26 meeting dates are coming soon! 

To apply, please email [email protected]. We look forward to connecting!

COHORT FACILITATOR: Bill Knous

If you have any questions regarding Learning Communities, please reach out to [email protected].