U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced an increase in funding for the Charter Schools Program (CSP) by $60 million for fiscal year 2025, bringing the total budget to $500 million. This announcement coincides with the conclusion of National Charter Schools Week 2025.
Secretary McMahon introduced a new grant opportunity within CSP, known as the Model Development and Dissemination Grant Program. This initiative aims to highlight and share successful strategies from innovative charter schools nationwide. Additionally, the Department of Education has released Notices Inviting Applications for five more competitions under CSP for 2025. These include State Entities, State Facilities Incentive Grants, Credit Enhancement, Charter Management Organizations, and Charter School Developers programs.
“In celebrating the pivotal role that charter schools play to deliver high-quality options for students and families, I’m excited to share that the Trump Administration is making historic investments in the Charter Schools Program,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Not only are we proposing a future $60 million increase in the program budget, but we are also dedicating an additional $60 million in this year’s funding. With more dollars going toward education choice and a new grant opportunity to help highlight best practices, we hope to pave the way for more choices, better outcomes, and life-changing opportunities for students and families.”
Under President Trump's administration, support for charter schools has included withdrawing two burdensome Notices Inviting Application issued during the Biden Administration's end term. It also involved releasing $33 million in grants for Charter Management Organizations from last year's competition under CSP and reducing federal micromanagement over state awards related to CSP grants.
For further details about the Charter Schools Program or related initiatives by the Department of Education under President Trump's leadership, additional resources can be accessed online.
