Charter schools are public schools providing instruction in any grade between TK–12. They are created or organized by teachers, parents, community leaders, or a community-based organization. All charter schools are authorized by a local school district, a county office of education, or the State Board of Education.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Education has two roles related to charter schools:

1. To consider petitions for the establishment of county-wide charter schools under Education Code section 47605.5 and 47605.6.
2. To consider petitions submitted on appeal that have been denied by a school district board.
   
   

Filing a Petition

The Charter School Petition Handbook provides guidance on filing a petition, as well as the specific petition submission requirements for the establishment of a county-wide charter school or an appeal to the County Board.

Required Documents to Be Submitted with the Petition

• Notice of Intent to Submit Petition
• Petitioner Certification
• Charter Petition Evaluation Tool

All petitioners wishing to file a petition for the establishment of a county-wide charter school or an appeal to the County Board shall hand-deliver the petition and required documents to:

County Superintendent of Schools
Santa Barbara County Education Office
4400 Cathedral Oaks Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93110

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Santa Barbara County Charter Schools
SBCEO School Business Advisory Services Charter School Oversight