2025-26 Start-Up Subgrant – Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion

The Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) is a discretionary federal subgrant administered by the Charter Schools Division of the California Department of Education (CDE) under Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The program provides financial assistance to eligible charter school developers to support the creation, initial operations, replication, or expansion of high-quality public charter schools throughout California. The initiative advances the federal Charter Schools Program goal of increasing the number of high-quality charter schools serving diverse students, particularly those who are educationally disadvantaged, by providing targeted start-up resources for schools that meet rigorous accountability, autonomy, and performance requirements. California was awarded approximately $93 million from the U.S. Department of Education for FY 2024–29 to distribute through PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants. The 2025–26 funding round offers four distinct subgrant types—Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion—each supporting a specific phase of charter school growth. Planning subgrants assist new or conversion schools before opening; Implementation subgrants support the first three years of operation; Replication subgrants enable high-quality charter operators to open new schools based on proven models; and Expansion subgrants allow established high-quality schools to add grades or significantly increase enrollment. Subgrants may run up to 36 months, beginning March 1, 2026 and ending no later than February 28, 2029. Funding levels vary by type. Planning subgrants may receive up to $300,000 for 18 months; Implementation or Replication subgrants up to $800,000 over three years; and Expansion subgrants up to $500,000 over three years. In addition, eligible applicants may qualify for supplemental funding—ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per category—for serving students with disabilities, English learners, or socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, or for offering Career Technical Education programs, sharing innovative practices, or expanding high-school programs. The maximum total award, including supplements, may not exceed $1.9 million. All funds are reimbursement-based and must be used for allowable start-up activities such as curriculum development, equipment and instructional materials, professional development, community outreach, and initial operational costs that cannot be met from other sources. Applicants must be nonprofit entities or local educational agencies with an approved charter petition from an authorized public chartering authority by the application deadline. Schools must meet the federal definition of a charter school, maintain full fiscal and operational autonomy, comply with nondiscrimination and lottery requirements, and operate as public, nonsectarian, tuition-free institutions. For-profit corporations, individuals, or schools managed by for-profit educational management organizations are ineligible. Replication and Expansion applicants must further demonstrate that the charter being replicated or expanded qualifies as a high-quality charter school, with evidence of strong academic outcomes, sound financial management, and statutory compliance. The application window opens October 8, 2025 and closes December 5, 2025. Submission of an Intent to Apply form by November 5, 2025 is strongly recommended. Applications are peer-reviewed between December and January, with award notifications expected February 2, 2026. Subgrants begin March 1, 2026, for a maximum 36-month period. Applicants submit all materials electronically to PCSGP@cde.ca.gov, including the required forms, attachments, and budget workbook. Technical-assistance webinars are offered October 15 and November 4, 2025 to guide applicants through eligibility, scoring, and budgeting. The CDE monitors all funded schools for compliance with federal and state requirements, fiscal accountability, and progress toward subgrant project goals. Reports include quarterly or monthly expenditure claims, annual progress reports, and a final close-out submission. Ten percent of Implementation, Replication, and Expansion funds are withheld until completion of all reporting and an external program evaluation. Primary program contacts include Alison Ball (916-319-0222, PCSGP@cde.ca.gov) for program questions and Tamie Thompson (916-319-0293, tthompson@cde.ca.gov) for fiscal issues. The Charter Schools Division (916-322-6029) serves as the administering office. The competition is anticipated to recur annually through FY 2028-29 subject to federal funding availability.