Charter School Applicants

Subchapter D: Open-Enrollment Charters

Subchapter D charters are open-enrollment charter schools operated by an eligible entity as defined in TEC §12.101. The state may grant open-enrollment charters to the following entities:

• An institution of higher education as defined under TEC, §61.003(8);
• A private or independent institution of higher education as defined under TEC §61.003(15);
• An organization that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C.S. Section 501(c)(3)]; or
• A governmental entity.

Subchapter E: Public College or University Charters

Subchapter E charters are open-enrollment charter schools operated by an eligible entity as defined in TEC §12.152. The state may grant open-enrollment charters to the following entities:

• a public senior college or university for an open-enrollment charter school to operate on the campus of the public senior college or university or, subject to Subsection (b), at another location in any county in this state; or
• a public junior college for an open-enrollment charter school to operate on the campus of the public junior college or in the same county in which the campus of the public junior college is located.

Generation 31 Timeline

Key dates from the Generation 31 application timeline are listed in the table below. 

^†On or around date listed. 

Generation 31 High-Performing Entity Timeline

Key dates from the Generation 31 High-Performing Entity Application for Subchapter C/Subchapter E Operators timeline are listed in the table below.

Timeline for January 2026 Approval

^†On or around the date listed.

Timeline for April 2026 Approval

^†On or around the date listed

Subchapter G: Adult Education Charters

Subchapter G charters are adult education open-enrollment charter schools operated by an eligible entity as defined in TEC §12.256. The state may grant adult education charters to the following entities:

• a nonprofit entity,
• a school district,
• an entity granted a charter under Subchapter D,
• a general academic teaching institution, public junior college, or public technical institute, as defined by TEC Section 61.003, and;
• the entity, or a member of the entity ’s executive leadership, has a successful history of providing education services, including industry certifications and job placement services, to adults 18 years of age and older whose educational and training opportunities have been limited by educational disadvantages, disabilities, homelessness, criminal history, or similar marginalizing circumstances.

Subchapter G Timeline

Key dates from the Subchapter G application timeline are listed in the table below 

Navigating the Charter School Application

Several types of charter schools operate in the state of Texas. State-authorized charter schools include Open-Enrollment Subchapter D, Subchapter E, and Mission Specific. District-authorized Subchapter C Charter Schools also operate in Texas, and information can be found on our Campus Charters page.

The Division of Charter School Authorizing is excited to announce our upcoming webinar series Navigating the Charter School Application Process. This two-part series will provide valuable insights into the process of applying for an open-enrollment charter school in Texas.  

Whether you're new to the charter school landscape or have previously applied for a charter without success, this webinar aims to provide insight into key areas of our application process well in advance of our application launch. In doing this, we hope to provide more time for applicants to build a foundation for a stronger application. 

Other Application-Process Related Subpages

CSP Grant Information

Learn about charter school start-up grants

Opportunity Zone Locator

Explore the map on ArcGIS to locate charter opportunity zones

Public Meeting Calendar

Upcoming in-person and virtual charter applicant meeting notices

FAQ

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions