Innovative Schools

Innovative Schools empowers educators and communities
to adopt modern school models proven to inspire
passionate teaching and learning.

One of the biggest obstacles to opening a new school is establishing an effective support network. The Alliance of Model Schools is a cost-free membership that provides resources, advocacy and networking for schools that implement a new school design. Learn more, click here.

Do you have specific questions about replicating a new school model?

Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you don't see your question on the list, or would like to discuss a model further, email or call us! Dawn Downes, Director of Innovative School Models, 302-656-4737 or ddownes@innovativeschools.org.

Thank you!
Innovative Schools would like to thank the Welfare Foundation for their support of Innovative Schools’ New School Development program, which helps to launch new charter schools. The Welfare gift will provide a revolving fund to cover the costs for community groups interested in working with Innovative Schools to develop a high quality charter application and replicate one of school designs in our Portfolio of Model Schools.

Planning Phase

Application Phase | Planning Phase | Start-Up Phase

Relationship

During the Planning Phase, Innovative Schools’ relationship the Founding Board transitions to working with the school’s official operating Board of Directors and newly hired School Leader. Innovative Schools will provide the framework, plan, resources, guidance, and assistance necessary to establish the school. The School Leader is directly responsible for the day-to-day work of the Planning Phase. The Board of Directors will monitor the progress of the School Leader and provide volunteer assistance as needed.

Commitment

The Planning Phase is a 15-month period beginning upon charter school approval in April through July of the following year.

Deliverables

Innovative Schools provides the following services during the Planning Phase:

Planning year toolkit, timeline, and task sheets
School leader recruitment
Board development training and ongoing workshops to build governance and oversight capacity
Regular benchmark monitoring meetings with Innovative Schools’ staff and consultants
200 hours of technical assistance from Innovative Schools’ staff as weel as local and national consultants who have expertise in each of the topics such as:
- School Leader Recruitment
- Facility Site Selection / Project Management / Facilities Financing
- Marketing and Student Recruitment
- Information Technology Planning
- Financial Management / Operations / Infrastructure
- Contracted Services – Transportation, Food Service, etc.
- Facilities Management / Operations / Infrastructure
- Teacher Recruitment, Licensure and Certification, Retention and Incentives
Support with design and installation of network infrastructure security system, bell systems, and intercom systems
Curriculum alignment and master schedule design
Student recruitment and community outreach