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Florida Charter Institute
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Learn More About Charter Schools in Florida

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. In Florida, nearly 400,000 Florida students, about one in seven statewide, attend a charter school.

Growth of Charter Schools in Florida

Charter schools are a growing part of Florida’s public education system. Over the past two decades, an increasing number of families have chosen this option, making charters a viable choice for students across the state.

2024-25 Enrollment at Charter Schools
Charter schools now serve more than 14% of all Florida public school students.
Historical Enrollment at Florida Charter Schools
Enrollment has tripled since 2008, from 122,000 to over 400,000 students, despite the number of charter schools remaining relatively steady.

Academic Success

Families choose charter schools because they want strong academic results — and the data shows that charter schools deliver.

Since 2008 charter schools have consistently earned a higher percentage of “A” grade schools as compared to traditional public schools.

Percent of Students Meeting Standards by Subject

Florida charter school students have consistently matched or outperformed traditional public school students on
state assessments in English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies.

Percent of Students Meeting ELA Expectations
Percent of Students Meeting Math Expectations
Percent of Students Meeting Science Expectations
Percent of Students Meeting Social Studies Expectations

Serving All Students, Including ESE

Florida charter schools not only have a legal requirement to provide special education services, but they are committed to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need.

Percentage of Enrollment Who Have Disabilities
Today, more than 10 percent of charter school students receive ESE services, and this number has been steadily increasing.
Types of Disabilities Served
Charter schools serve students with a wide range of exceptionalities, including learning and speech differences, autism, and health-related needs.

Demographics at Florida’s Charter Schools

Florida charter schools serve a student body that reflects the diversity of our state. Families from all backgrounds choose this public education option, making them a true cross-section of Florida’s communities.

39.33% of charter school students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

10.41% of charter school students use English as their second language.

3.97% of charter school students qualify for Gifted services. 

Why Consider a Charter School?

Parents choose charter schools because they want an education that is engaging, challenging, and supportive. Charter schools provide:

  • Personalized learning approaches that meet students where they are.
  • Stronger outcomes, with many schools outperforming their traditional counterparts.
  • Welcoming, diverse communities, where students from all backgrounds are represented.
  • Specialized programs in areas like STEM, arts, or college prep that let your child pursue their interests.
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