Charter School Advisory Services

Charter schools are publicly funded elementary or secondary schools that have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for accountability for producing academic results. Charters are increasingly viewed as a key to the revitalization of public education in America’s urban centers, and it is clear they are here to stay. Unfortunately, after nearly two decades of history in the U.S., many charter schools are still struggling to effectively manage the non-academic functions of running a school.

UPD assists public charter schools with planning, facility and financing issues. Our services in this area include:

• Strategic planning
• Site feasibility analysis
• Site selection and negotiation of site control (lease or purchase)
• Contract management of design and construction professionals
• Obtaining financing

In addition, UPD can provide research and technical assistance to public school districts, foundations, neighborhood groups or other stakeholders in the charter school environment.

• Newly Forming Charters
  Charter schools typically spend up to a year in planning before being granted a charter and almost as long in setting up operations. During this time, Charters need to secure a facility as well as other operational assistance.
• Existing Schools
  Many Charters begin operations in a location that is not suitable for their long term program needs. These schools need to expand or relocate.
• Other Stakeholders
  There are many parties which would like Charters to succeed generally or have specific management or other roles with specific Charter schools. These entities need assistance, mostly on an intermittent basis, with a wide range of tasks that fall within UPD’s expertise including facility planning, financing, operational, and management issues.