While charter schools accept applications throughout the year, families are encouraged to apply by April 1 for the 2023-24 school year. If there are more student applications than seats available, charter schools are required to hold lotteries to randomly select students for admission. Students whose names are not selected in the lottery will be added to the school’s wait list and may be admitted as seats become available in the future. Families can expect to receive notification of application status directly from schools through the spring and summer. Get the Facts