Research
Facilities Sharing Best Practices
This policy brief that offers practical ways for school districts, charter schools, and local governments to better use public school facilities across Florida. Charter schools now educate 14% of Florida’s public school students, yet many spend up to a quarter of their operating budgets on facilities—resources that could otherwise be directed toward classroom instruction. At the same time, district enrollment has declined in recent years, even as districts continue to operate and maintain a growing number of school buildings. Despite these conditions, only a small share of Florida charter schools currently operate in district-owned facilities.
Possibilities & Potential for Florida's Underutilized School Buildings
A comprehensive study of 20 Florida counties, covering 90% of the state’s charter schools, reveals a growing imbalance. District schools are losing students but keeping (and even adding) buildings. Simultaneously, charter schools, Florida’s fastest-growing public school sector, are lacking space and are forced to spend millions of dollars on facilities.
Recommendations to Improve Charter School Financial Audit Reporting in Florida
This paper analyzes 4,681 financial audits from 835 Florida charter schools across 50 districts between 2017 and 2023 to evaluate how financial information is currently reported and identify ways to improve transparency and usability. The Florida Charter Institute found that inconsistencies in accounting codes, audit formats, and submission methods make it difficult to compare financial data across schools or conduct meaningful statewide analysis. To address these challenges, the report recommends requiring auditors to use Florida’s standardized accounting codes, creating a centralized electronic system for submitting machine-readable audit reports, and expanding financial literacy training requirements for charter school leaders and governing boards to strengthen financial oversight and accountability.
Keep Your Eyes On Florida!
A recent analysis of academic data from around the country has shown that Florida’s educational achievements clearly demonstrate that school choice works! A recent study published by American Enterprise Institute’s CERN and the FCI highlighting how Florida’s unique policy-driven approach has sustained strong results over two decades. The state’s emphasis on early literacy, consistent progress assessments, and a robust school choice system, has positioned Florida as a leader in educational outcomes and return on investment. Florida’s elementary students rank near the top nationally in reading and math, and its low-income students outperform their peers in other states. This success is achieved at a lower per-pupil cost than many high-spending states, providing a model worth exploring further.
ESE School Profiles
The Florida Charter Institute at Miami-Dade College, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education Office of School Choice, developed a series of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) school profiles to highlight effective practices supporting students with disabilities in Florida’s charter schools. Using data from Florida’s PK-20 Education Information Portal, schools were identified based on strong academic outcomes, higher-than-average enrollment of students with disabilities, and a record of sustained operation. Selected schools participated in case study visits conducted by experienced consultants who observed classrooms, met with staff and students, and reviewed school practices to identify strengths and successful strategies. Each profile highlights key practices that contribute to effective ESE programming and is intended to serve as a resource for charter schools seeking to improve services and outcomes for students with disabilities.
Charter Application Insights
The Florida Charter Institute has recently conducted an in-depth study of over 300 charter applications and 170 evaluations to identify the key elements of successful charter submissions. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into structuring charter applications effectively, providing aspiring charter groups with a framework for creating strong applications and actionable plans for operating high-quality schools. The resulting manual is an invaluable resource, designed to guide applicants in developing thorough, well-crafted charter applications for successful school operations.
2024 Effect Size Analysis
The paper Using Effect Size as a Comparative Metric of Academic Achievement explains how educators can use effect size to fairly compare school performance by accounting for differences in student demographics. It shows how this simple, standardized measure complements proficiency data to provide a more accurate and equitable understanding of school outcomes.
Through its Research Division, FCI aims to conduct and support high-quality research on charter schools in Florida and to translate these findings into sound policy recommendations that foster the development, growth, and effectiveness of these schools in the state. We aim to advance the role of charter schools within Florida’s broader public education system while providing timely, relevant commentary on issues affecting the charter sector, both locally and nationally.