You can find more information on Florida’s many public charter schools at the Florida Department of Education. You may also wish to check out The Florida Charter School Alliance and the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a good old-fashioned lottery system is typically used to determine admittance.Ĭharter school students (and traditional public school students) in grades K-5 who are performing below grade level may be eligible for the state’s New World Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships and resources for students who need additional literacy or math support.Īlso, as of 2023, charter students are permitted to play sports for willing private schools. Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, one of Florida’s newest charters, is a STEM high school authorized by Tallahassee Community College. Indian River Charter High School, for instance, provides unique training and opportunities for students interested in the performing arts. Each public charter school has a charter that explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. For instance, one traditional public school we talked to, Pahokee Elementary School, is distinguished by its International Baccalaureate curriculum and global focus.įind out more about public schools in your state at the Florida Department of Education and learn more about Florida open enrollment in “ Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50-State Ranking.”įamilies can also consider choosing one of Florida’s more than 720 charter schools these are tuition-free public schools that are allowed extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Traditional public schools aren’t all the same: They may differ in learning methods and one may just “feel different” than another to you. You can take advantage of open enrollment by visiting multiple public schools near you and discovering which is the best fit for your family.

For a real-world example, check out Polk County Public Schools’ process for open enrollment. Generally, parents are responsible for transportation of students participating in open enrollment. Each school must post information about capacity and how to apply on its website, and schools are not allowed to charge tuition. What this means is that you can send your child to any public school in Florida, regardless of where you live or where the school is located. Did you know that Florida spends an average of $10,401 per public school pupil each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.įlorida has unrestricted open enrollment for public school.

Traditional public schools are free, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Most children in Florida (and in America) attend traditional public schools.

Florida online homeschool programs