MDC Charter School Application RFP December, 2026
Driven by its mission to change lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences, Miami Dade College (MDC), through the Florida Charter Institute (FCI), is now accepting charter school applications. The Florida Charter Institute and Miami Dade College seek applications that align with MDC’s mission to expand college and career pathways for students and strengthen the connection between K-12 education and postsecondary success.
In order to be eligible to apply under this RFP, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:
- Applicants proposing college and career focused programs, including programs designed to connect students to workforce pathways, industry certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and postsecondary education.
- Applicants proposing in-person, brick-and-mortar schools serving students in Miami-Dade County.
FCI strongly encourages applications from organizations with a proven record of operating high-quality schools and a demonstrated ability to replicate successful school models. Schools approved by MDC will be sponsored by the college and will work directly with the FCI throughout the lifecycle of the charter contract.
Request For Proposals Now Available
To learn more about the review and application process, please download and review the “Request For Proposals” for the December 22, 2026 application deadline. Applying to a college authorizer is slightly different from applying to a school district, and this RFP will explain what MDC is expecting to see in the application.
Applicants seeking to apply to Miami Dade College during this round of applications must submit the High-Performing System Replication application form. In addition to the completed application:
- Applicants representing an existing charter school system must include, as an addendum to the charter application, a portfolio chart of all schools currently operated by the organization, using the “System Snapshot” worksheet.
- Applicants proposing multiple schools that will operate together as part of a coordinated system or network must include an appendix explaining the operational relationship between the schools.
FCI is available and welcomes questions about the RFP, application requirements, and review process. Please email info@flcharterinstitute.org for assistance.
Application Schedule
Letter of Intent
Please complete a brief survey to let us know you are considering applying. We ask that you submit the "letter of intent" by December 1. This allows us to prepare staff for the number of applications we will receive.
Application Deadline
Final applications are due Tuesday, December 22, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed during the next application review cycle.
Review of Applications
FCI will review applications following the application deadline and before capacity interviews. Applicants will be notified if additional clarification, amendments, or documentation are required during the review process.
Capacity Interviews
Applicants who successfully pass the initial review will be invited to participate in a capacity interview with the FCI review team around January 26, 2027; exact dates to be confirmed. The interview will begin with a 20-minute pitch presentation led by the governing board, followed by questions based on the review team’s assessment of the written application.
Charter Advisory Committee Meeting
Applicants who meet the standards identified by the State of Florida will be forwarded to the MDC Charter Advisory Committee for consideration, around February 23, 2027.
Board of Trustees Decisions
The MDC Board of Trustees is anticipated to vote on applications at its March 16, 2027 meeting. Applicants will be notified following the vote, with contract negotiation ongoing following approval.