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.
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.
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.