Arkansas is committed to building a high-quality charter school ecosystem that expands opportunity, strengthens public education, and delivers excellent outcomes for students. As the state's charter authorizer, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education approaches this work through national best practices, clear expectations, and a commitment to both innovation and accountability. Charter schools are public schools with the flexibility to pursue distinctive missions and models, and with that flexibility comes the responsibility to operate with excellence, serve students well, and demonstrate results. Our vision is for Arkansas charter schools to help lead the way in providing strong, high-quality public education options for families and communities across the state.

Authorizing Structure and Decision-Making

Arkansas uses a coordinated structure to manage charter schools, keeping expectations clear and decisions consistent. The structure includes three main entities:

• Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• Charter Authorizing Panel (CAP)
• Charter Office

DESE holds the legal authority as the Authorizer.
CAP acts as the public decision-making body, carrying out key responsibilities.
The Charter Office provides administrative and analytical support across the charter process.

The Charter Application Process

Public Charter Schools

Applicants for a new public charter school must submit a Letter of Intent and follow the charter school's application process.

In Arkansas there are two basic types of public charter schools. An open-enrollment charter school is a public charter school run by a governmental entity, an institution of higher learning or a tax-exempt non-sectarian organization. Open enrollment schools can draw students from across district boundaries.

A district conversion charter school is a public school converted to a public charter school. Conversion schools can only draw students from within the school district's boundaries.

House and Senate Biennial Report

• 2024 Reports
• 2022 Reports
• 2020 Reports

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