Wicomico County Public Schools accepts charter applications from documented non-profit organizations seeking to provide an alternative, innovative learning environment within the public school system.  State Law, WCBOE Policy and Procedure, and the WCPS Charter School Application provide the framework and guidelines for developing a viable charter school proposal.  More information may be found on the pages above.

Wicomico County Public Schools Charter School Point of Contact: 

Julie Dill
Director of Curriculum, Instructional Resources, & Professional Development
410-677-4400

WCBOE Policy on Charter Schools

• Individuals or organizations who seek to apply for a charter should develop a clear understanding of WCBOE Policy and Procedure.

  • WCBOE Policy on Charter Schools - INS-SCH-PL-013

  • WCBOE Procedure on Charter Schools - INS-SCH-PR-017

Individuals or organizations are welcome to submit a Charter School Application for consideration by the Board.  The general process is:

1. Applicant submits a letter of intent by end of February

2. Applicant submits the completed application between April 15 and April 30

3. WCPS Charter School Liaison reviews application for completeness

4. If complete, the application is reviewed by WCPS Charter School Review Team

5. Review team may schedule an interview with the applicant 

6. WCBOE renders a decision within 120 days of receipt of the application

7. If application is approved, WCBOE and the applicant negotiate terms of the charter

8. Charter is formally approved by WCBOE

9. School opens approximately 15 months after the April 30 deadline 

Specific Dates for the 2023 Application Window 

 Letter of Intent: Due February 28, 2024

Application Window opens: April 15, 2024 - Applications will not be accepted prior to this date

Application Window closes: April 30, 2024 - Applications will not be accepted after this date

Board of Education Decision: No later than 120 days after submission (August 13 - August 30, depending on date of submission)

Approved School Opens: Start of 2025-26 School Year

Note: The above-mentioned process is meant for general information only.  Much more specific and detailed information may be found in the WCPS Charter School Application found in the documents folder below.  Applications will be deemed unacceptable if not completed in the format of the WCPS Application.

More information on charter schools may be found at the following links:

• Maryland State Department of Education

• Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools

• Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations

• National Alliance for Public Charter Schools