Minnesota law, like that of other states, includes a requirement that, for chartered schools to open, they must be granted a charter by an entity referred to as the "sponsor" or "authorizer." The concept of a "charter" and the subsequent "contract for results" are central to the chartering idea. Sponsoring is the granting of a charter to an organization/operator that enables the operator to open and implement a chartered school. The sponsor has key roles throughout the development, implementation and evaluation of the schools it sponsors.

Provide information regarding the intent and conditions of the organization to serve as a sponsor of chartered schools;

Determine whether a proposal requesting it to serve as a sponsor meets state, federal and sponsor criteria for a charter school;

Following a determination that the proposal meets all requirements, along with the operator, the sponsor requests the commissioner to approve its intent to grant the charter;

Enter into a contract with the operator following commissioner approval;

Provide assistance and service to the school as agreed to in the contract or service agreement;

Provide ongoing oversight of the school to ensure compliance with the contract and service agreement as provided for in state law; and

Determine whether or not to renew the charter based on the results achieved by the school.

Concordia University, St. Paul is the sponsor of Community School of Excellence.  Concordia is located in the midway district of St. Paul, Minnesota, just down the street from the school.  Concordia offers Bachelor and Master’s degrees to approximately 2,000 students. It is a private, accredited university in the urban setting.