This policy brief examines how Florida school districts distribute federal IDEA Part B funds to the charter schools they sponsor. After reviewing federal and state requirements and the 2024–25 IDEA Part B grant applications of 11 Florida school districts, FCI found that applications often count services charter schools already pay for through administrative fees, and give charter schools no way to verify they receive equitable funds or services. The brief…

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…

This policy brief 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…

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.

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.

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 highlights 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…

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…

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…