Charter School Authorization

Charter schools are a type of public school, approved and overseen by a state or district authorizer. Authorizers are the entities that decide who can start a new charter school, set academic and operational expectations, and oversee school performance.

In Washington, there are two charter school authorizers:

  • The Washington State Charter School Commission has numerous charter schools across the state.

  • Spokane Public Schools (SPS), currently the state’s only district authorizer, has two charter schools that fall within its district boundaries.

To find out more about charter school authorization, visit the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA).

Spokane Public Schools provides oversight and measures accountability for each charter school using three performance frameworks as well as monitoring for compliance with state and federal laws in collaboration with the Office of Superintendent of Public Institution and the State Auditor’s Office RCW 28A.710.180:

Like all public schools, charter schools do not charge tuition, they are open to all students, and they are publicly funded. Learn more about charter schools from the Washington State Charter Schools Association.

Charter Authorizer Annual Reports

State law requires charter authorizers to submit an annual report to the State Board of Education, who publishes this and other information about Washington State charter schools on their website (click here). The State Board of Education has multiple responsibilities under the charter school law for administration, oversight and reporting.

Contact

Email Kristin Whiteaker
Director
509-354-7282

Charter Renewal Public Comment

To provide public comment regarding any school eligible for renewal, please contact SPS by:

Email: Kristin W.
Subject: Charter Renewal Public Comment
Phone: 509-354-7282
Mail: Spokane Public School Charter Schools, 200 North Bernard Street, Spokane, WA 99201, Attn: Charter Renewal Public Comment

Public comment for 2024-25 Lumen High School renewal opens on September 16, 2024 and is due by January 10, 2025. Renewal Materials are located under the Lumen High School section on this webpage.

SPS-Authorized Charter Schools

Lumen High School Logo

Lumen High School

  • Address: 718 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

  • Phone: (509) 606-7888

  • Contact: Lumen High School Contact

  • Lumen High School Website

  • Lumen High School Enroll

  • Grades: 9-12 grade

  • Year opened: September 2020

  • Mission: Lumen High School is a public charter school that is committed to empowering two generations by providing high academic standards, a specialized early learning center and wrap around supports to meet the layered needs of teen parents. LHS is rooted in belonging, social justice and the empowerment of our staff, students and their children so that a students role as a parent will not be at odds with their role as a student. Students will gain essential skills needed in order to raise healthy children and receive appropriate coursework needed to graduate prepared for contribution to their community, as well as, advancement into higher education and future careers.

Innovation High School Logo

Innovation High School (Formerly Pride Schools)

Charter School Resources

Chart school resources

*In addition to the Charter School Commission, Spokane Public Schools is a school district Authorizing Entity for its boundary area.
Document edited with permission from the Washington State Charter School Commission to reflect Spokane Public Schools as one authorizer in Washington’s multi-part system of accountability. Original graphic may be accessed here.