Supporting Charter School Excellence Through Quality Authorizing

The goal of the Charter Schools Unit is to provide effective oversight that will support each school in fulfilling its mission. It is through close communication, collaboration, transparency, and trust that the authorizer-charter school relationship can thrive for the benefit of the students in Riverside County.

Starting a New Charter School

The Riverside County Office of Education is responsible for processing petitions submitted to the Riverside County Board of Education. The RCBE and RCOE staff view the responsibility to provide a quality education to all of the children in Riverside County as a serious undertaking. The petition review process is designed to be transparent, engaging, professional, and rigorous.

The Charter Schools Unit staff will help guide the petitioners through the process and will be available to answer questions. At the end of the process, a public comprehensive Staff Report will be provided to the RCBE in order to help the board make the best possible decision for the students in the county. 

Riverside County Office of Education Petition Review Process

Each petition submitted to the RCBE is reviewed according to the following process: 

Petition Review Process Flowchart Text Version

Oversight and Support

In order to be successful once approved, it is vital that charter schools remain strong and healthy in the following core areas:

• Operation
• Finance
• Governance

Charter Schools Unit staff conduct annual reviews of these components in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws and the mission of each school's charter. Reviews are focused through a lens of support and continuous improvement.

Focused Review Process Flowchart Text Version

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Development and Support

The Riverside County Office of Education provides LCAP development and support to all charter schools in Riverside County. Charter schools are encouraged to adhere to the state recommended timeline for LCAP development and participate in training and support offered as illustrated below.

LCAP Development and Support Flowchart Text Version

Charter School Support Organizations

California Charter Schools Association

National Charter Schools Institute

Charter Schools Development Center

National Alliance for Public Charter Schools