Office of Community School Sponsorship

The charter school movement in Northwest Ohio emerged as a response to the need for more educational choices, particularly in communities seeking innovative approaches to student learning. These publicly funded, independently operated schools provide families with alternatives to traditional public schools—offering specialized programs, flexible instructional models, and a focus on accountability.

In Northwest Ohio, charter schools play a vital role in expanding access to high-quality education, especially for students in underserved urban and rural areas. They foster innovation in curriculum, promote student-centered learning environments, and often address specific community needs through unique academic themes or wraparound support services. By prioritizing academic performance, operational transparency, and family engagement, charter schools in the region empower students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in college, careers, and life.

About us

Our Mission:

The Office of Community School Sponsorship at Bowling Green State University is committed to fostering excellence in education by sponsoring high-quality charter schools that uphold academic, operational, and fiscal integrity.

Our Vision:

The Office of Community School Sponsorship at Bowling Green State University envisions a future where every student has access to a high-performing school of choice that puts their needs first—academically, socially, and emotionally. Through strong partnerships and a commitment to quality, we strive to be a leading model of student-centered, ethical, and effective school authorizing.

Bowling Green State University has been sponsoring the Toledo School for the Arts (TSA) since 2008. We promote excellence in school performance, organizational integrity, and responsible governance through rigorous oversight and ongoing support. Guided by the nationally recognized standards of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), we are committed to quality authorizing grounded in accountability, innovation, and equity. We maintain high expectations, uphold school autonomy, and protect the interests of students and the public. Aligned with BGSU’s mission of community engagement and student success, we foster strategic partnerships and continuous improvement to ensure academic achievement, operational integrity, and fiscal sustainability—empowering educators, students, and communities with transformative learning opportunities for lifelong success.

Community School Sponsorship Organizational Chart

Overall Sponsor Rating

The Office of Community School Sponsorship at BGSU is proud to announce its 2018-2019 Overall Sponsor Rating is "Exemplary".

The Department of Education and Workforce annually evaluates community school sponsors on three components: Academic Performance, Compliance, and Quality Practices.

The Academic Performance component looks at several measures of student success in sponsored schools including academic achievement, student growth, early literacy, graduation, and how well students are prepared for college, careers, and life. BGSU received a "2" or "C" in this component.

The Compliance component asks whether sponsors are compliant with all relevant laws and rules and whether sponsors are monitoring their schools' compliance with laws and rules. BGSU received a "4" or "Exceeds Expectations" in this component.

The Quality Practices component compares sponsors' processes against best practices such as strategic planning, staff capacity, contract development and oversight of schools. BGSU received a "4" or "Exceeds Expectations" in this component.

A sponsor evaluation did not occur for BGSU during the 2024-2025 school year. Per ORC 3314.016(B)(7)(b), sponsors with an overall rating of "exemplary" or "effective" for the three most recent years in which the sponsor was evaluated shall be evaluated by the department once every three years.  Although sponsors who have received an Effective or Exemplary rating for the three most recent consecutive review cycles will not have to participate in the sponsor evaluation process, they still have to maintain documentation required by law available for audit purposes and to fulfill their legal responsibilities for their sponsored schools. 

In June 2024, the 135th Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 168 …the Department shall not evaluate community school sponsors for the 2024-2025 school year, unless a sponsor elects to be evaluated. If a sponsor elects to be evaluated for 2024-2025, the sponsor shall be eligible for any benefits established under state law based on that evaluation.

S.B. 168 also included this provision:  The Department of Education and Workforce shall develop a comprehensive framework to be used to determine the performance of sponsors of community schools established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code. The Department shall engage a facilitator to work with community school stakeholders in developing the framework.

The sponsor performance evaluation cycle is set to begin again for the 2025-2026 school year.

Our Schools

Currently, BGSU is the proud sponsor of one community school, Toledo School for the Arts (TSA). The school opened in 1999 and is located at 333 14th St. in downtown Toledo, Ohio. TSA strives to uphold their mission to serve as an inclusive community where learning is rigorous, creativity is cultivated, and the individual is celebrated. Students are provided a college preparatory academic curriculum and an intense visual and performing arts environment. Admission is open to all Ohio residents entering grades 6-12 via a lottery system.

Sponsoring Priorities

Sponsorship encompasses a great deal of legal responsibility, and the College of Education & Human Development at Bowling Green State University takes our responsibilities seriously. At the core, it upholds its mission of providing the resources necessary to promote and sponsor an exceptional charter school environment throughout the state of Ohio.

Adhering to the Principles and Standards for Quality Charter School Authorizing as established by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), BGSU utilizes the principles and standards as the foundation of its strategic plan for quality school sponsoring.

In accordance with the sponsoring priorities, principles, and standards, this application includes prescriptive requirements and evaluation criteria.  In order to preserve the highest standard of quality sponsorship, the school must provide sound evidence of meeting each selection criteria.  Only schools that earn at least 75% of possible points will be considered for a preliminary agreement.

There are significant consequences for poor performance in academics, finance, operations, and governance.  If a school does not perform well, it may be closed automatically by law or by the sponsor, and could be subject to civil liability.  It is imperative the school demonstrates its strong, evidence-based understanding of community school operations before BGSU would agree to sponsor the community school.

Resource Links:

State Organizations

Ohio Association of Charter School Authorizers
An organization focused on promoting sponsor excellence, effectiveness and efficiency to create and maintain high-quality community schools through quality oversight and support.

Department of Education & Workforce (DEW)- Community Schools
Includes links to community school resources at DEW

National Organizations

National Charter School Resource Center
The National Charter School Resource Center (Resource Center) serves as a national center to provide on-demand resources, information and technical assistance to support successful planning, authorizing, implementation and sustainability of high-quality charter schools; to share evaluations on the effects of charter schools; and to disseminate information about successful practices in charter schools.

National Association of Charter School Authorizers
An organization dedicated to improving public education by improving the policies and practices of the organizations responsible for authorizing charter schools.

National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is a leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement.

Center for Education Reform
The Center is a leading advocate for structural and sustainable changes to improve educational opportunities in the U.S.​

Special Education Links

Department of Education & Workforce - Special Education
Links to resources on teaching students with disabilities; special education funding, data and accountability; and other special education resources for parents and administrators.

State Support Teams
There are 16 State Support Teams in Ohio focused on school improvement, special education compliance, postsecondary transition, early learning and school readiness, and parent and family involvement. To assist stakeholders in their work, the State Support Teams provide tools, resources, technical assistance and high-quality professional development activities.

Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

National Association of State Directors of Special Education
NASDSE works with state education agencies to align policies and proven practices in order to ensure students with disabilities are afforded full participation in their education and successful transition to post-school education, employment and independent living.

Center for Parent Information and Resources
CPIR is a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth.

National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials
Provides resources for school personnel to assist students with disabilities participate in general education.