Summary: Ohio Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant Project

The Ohio Department of Education received a $20.19 million Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Charter Schools Program (CFDA 84.282), awarded October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2026. This award supports the startup of new charter schools and the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools throughout Ohio. As the state educational agency, ODE serves as the primary administrator for distributing charter school development funding to eligible sub-recipients, including charter school developers, charter management organizations, and other authorized chartering entities across the state.

Under this grant, ODE facilitates the expansion of educational options for Ohio students, particularly those in underserved communities, by providing financial assistance to support innovative and accountable public school models. The program operates under a maximum five-year funding period with continuation awards contingent upon grantees demonstrating substantial progress toward project goals. ODE's role encompasses coordinating eligible applicants, managing fund distribution, ensuring compliance with federal audit and recordkeeping requirements, and supporting charter school initiatives that increase accountability and educational choice across Ohio's K-12 system.