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  In addition to working with the Step Up For Students and McKay Scholarship programs, FSCF also works to expand other educational choice options, such as charter, virtual learning, magnet schools and career academies. These schools increase parental options in public education and provide unique educational programs to meet the individual learning needs of Florida’s children. FSCF also works with home school advocates in Florida to protect the rights of parents who choose to educate their children in a home environment.
Charter schools are independently operated, tuition-free public schools that have an expanded level of freedom compared to traditional public schools in return for a commitment to reach high standards of accountability. Charter schools cover a broad range of educational needs by offering unique approaches to learning, including programs centered on arts, sciences or technologies. Other schools offer specialized learning for students at risk of academic failure or those who have disabilities. In 2008-09, Florida had the third highest number of charter schools in the nation, at 389, and the second highest number of students, at 117,602.
Another innovative public school choice program is the Florida Virtual School (FLVS), which offers middle and high school students more than 90 different free online courses in general education, foreign language and Advanced Placement. FLVS provides students with expanded access to courses that they might not have access to otherwise, as well as acceleration opportunities, such as early high school graduation. A large majority of the FLVS students use the program as an addition to their public, home or private school education. In 2007-08, 71,000 students took a total of 213,540 half-credit courses.
Elementary and middle school students can participate in the K-8 Virtual School Program, a full-time online education program offered by two schools – the Florida Virtual Academy and Florida Connections Academy. The virtual programs enables encourage parental involvement and give children the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Children participating in the program must meet all regulatory requirements at Florida public schools. For 2008-09, enrollment for each participating school enrolled the legislative limit of 940 students.
Career Academies are another school choice option that provides students with the opportunity to prepare for college and the workforce. Career Academies are small, personalized learning communities within a high school that select a subset of students and teachers for a two-, three, or four-year span. Students participating in the program receive a college-prep curriculum based on a career and connections with employers, the community and higher education.
Students in Florida also have the option to attend magnet schools, which are public schools with a particular theme or academic focus such as medical, criminal justice, science and mathematics, technology, performing arts, International Baccalaureate and foreign languages. Magnet schools offer students specialized programs, enabling parents and students to choose a school that matches a student’s individual interests.
For more information about Florida’s school choice programs, click here.
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