Start a School
Want To Open a School, but Not Sure Where To Start?
Our business planning assistance covers the essentials for starting a private postsecondary school in California. We introduce you to the regulatory environment and explain what to expect during the startup process. You’ll also get a preview of operational considerations and best practices for running your school. This includes guidance on student financing options and ongoing compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team provides comprehensive business planning, compliance support, and guidance throughout every step of the approval process. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about getting started so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What is the BPPE, and how does it affect my school?
The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) oversees non-exempt private postsecondary institutions with a physical presence in California. If you’re opening a vocational school or degree-granting institution, you must apply for approval to operate through the BPPE.
The application process requires significant documentation, including your school’s mission and objectives, program descriptions, advertising samples, financial disclosures, and operating policies that demonstrate compliance with the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.
Can I complete the application myself?
Technically, yes, but be aware of what that entails. The BPPE application may only be eight pages long, but a complete submission typically spans 250–500 pages. Simply following the application instructions often leads to an incomplete or deficient submission.
You’ll be responsible for drafting all required materials from scratch, like your catalog, enrollment agreement, financial documents, self-monitoring procedures, and student/faculty files, while also trying to launch your business. Most school founders find it challenging to juggle everything and often face delays or denials.
How can School Builder Plus help?
Our team works full-time on helping clients navigate the BPPE process. We bring deep regulatory knowledge, document templates, and strategic guidance to ensure your application is thorough, compliant, and professionally packaged.
On average, we can complete your application in just one month. For a first-time school owner working independently, the process often drags out to 6 to 9 months or longer due to the steep learning curve, missing documentation, and frequent revisions required by the bureau.
Hiring us means fewer errors, less back-and-forth with the bureau, and faster progress toward launching your school, saving you time, stress, and money in the long run.
How much does the application cost?
The base fee for a new BPPE application is $5,000, but additional costs may apply depending on the number of programs you offer.
You’ll also need to submit a CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement with your application, regardless of how long your school has been in operation.
How long does the process take?
We typically prepare your application within one month. The BPPE, however, often takes up to a year (or more) to begin reviewing it due to a significant backlog of applications.
Processing times can vary, and the bureau publishes estimated review dates on its website. You can view the current timeline on the BPPE’s website.
While the delay can be frustrating, it also gives you a critical window to prepare your internal policies, staff onboarding, and operational plans. We help our clients use that time strategically so they’re ready to open as soon as they receive approval.
Do I need approvals from other agencies besides the BPPE?
Possibly. In addition to BPPE approval, some school types (like cosmetology, barbering, or allied health) require licensing from other boards, such as the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or the Department of Public Health.
You may first receive a conditional approval from the BPPE, and only receive full approval once your secondary licenses are secured. School Builder Plus can assist with both BPPE and state board applications.
Do degree-granting institutions need to be accredited before applying?
No, but they must pursue accreditation after receiving BPPE approval. Since 2015, California has required all degree-granting institutions to become accredited within a set timeframe.
Failing to meet that deadline can lead to school closure, so having a clear accreditation plan from day one is essential. We can help you map out the timeline and resources needed to reach accreditation successfully.