Jewish Day School Launch Timeline

🎯 Critical Milestones

January 15, 2026

Contact Efshar Project

Initiate partnership for funding and curriculum support

March 15, 2026

File 501(c)(3) Application

Submit IRS Form 1023 via Pay.gov - CRITICAL DEADLINE

May 15, 2026

Hire Head of School

Director must be in place to drive enrollment and operations

May 15, 2026

Sign Facility Agreement

Secure location to begin licensing process

July 15, 2026

Enrollment Decision Point

Minimum 13 students needed to proceed with opening

July 31, 2026

Receive Child Care License

Cannot open without CDEC license approval

August 21, 2026

Parent Orientation

Welcome families and set expectations

September 2, 2026

🎉 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Doors open - Durango Jewish Day School launches!

📋 Phase Details

Phase 1 Planning & Research (Jan-Feb)

▼

Contact Efshar Project for startup consultationJan 15
Begin community needs assessment surveyJan 20
Connect with local synagoguesJan 20
Research Jewish foundation grantsJan 31
Recruit Board of Directors (min 3)Feb 14
Complete business planFeb 28
Submit Efshar Project grant applicationFeb 28

Phase 2 Legal Foundation (Feb-Mar)

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Reserve organization name with CO SOSFeb 15
Appoint registered agentFeb 15
File Articles of Incorporation ($50)Feb 28
Obtain EIN from IRSMar 1
Open business bank accountMar 7
Set up accounting systemMar 14

Phase 3 Tax-Exempt Status (Mar-Aug)

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Draft bylawsMar 7
Create Conflict of Interest PolicyMar 7
Hold organizational board meetingMar 10
File 501(c)(3) via Pay.gov ($275-600)Mar 15
Register for CO Charitable SolicitationMar 21
Respond to IRS inquiriesOngoing
Apply for CO Sales Tax ExemptionUpon approval

Phase 4 Facility & Licensing (Mar-Jul)

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Define facility requirementsMar 15
Research Durango real estate optionsMar 31
Complete CDEC pre-licensure orientationApr 1
Tour potential sitesApr 15
Sign facility lease/agreementMay 15
Submit CDEC licensing applicationMay 15
Pass Zoning, Fire, Health inspectionsJun 15
Complete staff background checksJul 1
Receive Child Care LicenseJul 31

Phase 5 Staffing & Curriculum (Apr-Aug)

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Define Head of School job descriptionApr 1
Post position on Jewish education boardsApr 7
Hire Head of School / DirectorMay 15
Consult Efshar for curriculum resourcesJun 1
Develop secular + Judaic curriculumJun 15
Hire teaching staffJul 15
Order curriculum materialsJul 15
Staff training on curriculumAug 1-15

Phase 6 Enrollment & Marketing (May-Aug)

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Develop school brand and logoMay 1
Set tuition rates and financial aid policyMay 15
Launch websiteMay 15
Open enrollmentJun 1
Host open house eventsJun-Jul
Enrollment decision point (min 13 students)Jul 15
Close initial enrollmentAug 1
Send acceptance lettersAug 7

Phase 7 Pre-Launch Operations (Aug)

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Set up student information systemAug 1
Finalize tuition collection processAug 1
Create parent handbookAug 7
Staff orientation weekAug 11-15
Classroom setupAug 11-15
Send welcome packets to familiesAug 15
Parent orientation eveningAug 21
Meet-the-teacher eventAug 28

Phase 8 LAUNCH! (Sep)

▼

Staff returns / final prepSep 1
🎉 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!Sep 2
Soft opening weekSep 2-6
Full schedule beginsSep 9
Community celebration / ribbon cuttingSep TBD