Schools of Hope Threaten Florida’s Neighborhood Schools

According to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), charter schools “are public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a ‘charter’ which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results.”

Charter schools in Florida date back to 1996, when legislation was first enacted authorizing the creation of these schools. At the time, the primary purpose of these schools — which could be closed by the school district if they did not meet student performance objectives — was to improve student outcomes. When introduced, the program restricted both the number of schools that could be opened and the number of charter schools that an organization could own.

Today, a significant proportion of Florida students are enrolled in charter schools. Enrollment in charter schools has grown to over 700 schools, serving more than 406,832 students statewide.

Read more from our partners at Florida Policy Institute.