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Charter Schools

Current Charter Schools

Virtual Charter Schools

In Oregon, the process for students enrolling in a virtual public charter school outside their resident district is different from enrolling in a non-virtual (brick-and-mortar) charter school in another district.​

Virtual Public Charter Schools

If a parent wants their child to attend a virtual charter school sponsored by another district:

  • The parent must submit written notice of intent to the student's resident district.

  • The resident district must respond within 10 calendar days to approve or deny the request.

  • If more than 3% of the district's students are already enrolled in out-of-district virtual charter schools, the district may deny the request.

  • A denial may be appealed to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

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Virtual Public Charter School Enrollment School District Guidance


Non-Virtual (Brick-and-Mortar) Public Charter Schools

If a parent wants their child to attend a charter school located in another district (non-virtual):

  • The student applies directly to the out-of-district charter school.

  • If accepted, the student may enroll without needing approval from the resident district.

  • The 3% enrollment cap does not apply to non-virtual charter schools.​
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Developing Charter Schools

​A public charter school is: 

  • Public and tuition-free 

  • Operated independently under a contract (a "charter" with a sponsor, usually a local school district) 

  • Is bound by Oregon Charter School Laws 

  • ​Governed by a nonprofit board

    • ​​Any individual or group can propose a charter school, but applicants must establish a nonprofit organization with 502(c)(3) status. Typical founders include educators, parents, community leaders, or existing nonprofits.
  • ​Held accountable for student outcomes, finances, and operations.
  • Oregon Coalition of Community Charter Schools FAQs
  • Oregon Department of Education FAQs (coming soon)



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  • Research other similar charter schools in Oregon and make connections.

  • Assessing Community Needs:

    • Conduct community needs assessments

    • Identify gaps or underserved student populations

    • Determine your school's niche or focus area

  • Assemble a Founding Team: 

    • Include individuals with experience in education, finance, law, and operations

    • Form a nonprofit corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) status

  • Develop the Educational Vision and Mission: 

    • Define the school’s core values, educational philosophy, and long-term goals.

    • Draft clear and inspiring vision and mission statements

    • Align your statements with Oregon’s charter school goals (ORS 338.015)

  • Identify the Oregon school district where your school will be located.

  • Review that district’s charter school policy to understand requirements and deadlines.

  • Use the Oregon School Boards Association Policy Finder to search by district.​


Read ORS 338.045, which outlines the required elements to include in an applicant’s written proposal. Contents include but are not limited to:

  • Educational Program: Curriculum, instructional methods, and assessment strategies.

  • Governance Structure: Board composition and decision-making processes.

  • Operational Plan: Staffing, facilities, and daily operations.

  • Financial Plan: Budget projections and funding sources.

  • Marketing and Outreach: Describe how you will attract students and engage with the community.

  • Accountability Measures: Student performance goals and evaluation methods.

Download a Proposal Checklist.​​



In order to officially open a charter school, enroll students and generate state school funds, the charter school developer must have the following documents on file with the Oregon Department of Education:

  • A copy of the proposal (described in the previous section) submitted to the district and approved

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) documentation

  • 501(c)(3) status documentation

  • A signed copy of the charter contract

  • A new Institution ID with ODE


For additional information, please contact Christen Kelly, Charter Schools Specialist: christen.kelly@ode.oregon.gov.