The school's facilities plan is integral to its overall business plan, which communicates the school's objectives to its board, staff, funders, and others. Planning for school facilities involves taking stock of expected enrollment, staff size, revenues, and growth. The next step in finding a suitable facility is to take stock of what is needed. Ideally, the school facility reflects and supports the school's vision and enrollment. It is important for developers of new charter schools to be flexible, knowing that the school's needs for space may change over time, and that all facility needs don't have to be met by the first day of school.
Creative founders consider a wide range of alternative sites and keep many options open.
Charter School Facilities provides a helpful needs assessment worksheet to aid developers in this stage. Selecting and Evaluating a Site With a clear idea of what is needed, the next step is to assemble a team to identify and evaluate potential sites, allowing for time to get informed about the market, leasing, and buying, and to consider various options. Additionally, it is crucial to become well versed in all applicable safety issues, building codes, and zoning rules. The Massachusetts Charter School Handbook includes a chart summarizing typical design characteristics of elementary schools. See our State and School Information area for details in your state.