Florida has long been a leader in providing education options to families in the state, but there is still progress to be made. Access to Florida's charter schools and virtual school programs are limited by enrollment restrictions and limitations on access to approved providers. And, homeschool families currently have no access to part-time virtual programs.

For Florida to maintain its leadership role in providing public school options, it is necessary for policymakers to empower parents with the freedom to choose between high quality schools, charter schools, scholarship programs like McKay and Step Up, and virtual education programs.

The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition of Public School Options is organizing parents to ensure their voices are heard as Florida policymakers consider how to ensure all education options are accessible to every Florida family. Join us today to help protect and expand the school options that best suit your family's needs.

To learn more please contact Florida Chapter Chair:

Wendy Howard
wendy@publicschooloptions.org

IN THE NEWS

Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Strengthen, Expand Charter and Virtual Schools

Orlando, Fla. - Keeping his promise to make Florida the state with the best-educated workforce, Governor Rick Scott today visited Hope Charter School in Ocoee to highlight education reforms that expand and strengthen charter and virtual schools and increase scholarship opportunities that empower parents to choose schools best suited to student needs. Later today, Governor Scott will visit St. Petersburg Christian School and charter school North Broward Academy of Excellence.

While visiting, Governor Scott discussed how parents best understand their children's needs and should have the right to choose the schools that meet those needs.

"One of the critical components of creating jobs and turning Florida's economy around is to make sure our state has the best educated workforce, ready to work in our 21st century economy," Governor Scott said. "The legislation I sign today moves our state closer to having world-class schools that graduate students ready for those jobs."

CLICK HERE to read the full release.

Florida Legislature Passes Virtual Education Measure, More Choice for Parents

(Tallahassee, FL) - The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), representing thousands of parents and students, today applauded members of the Florida Legislature for passing HB 7197, a measure expanding access to virtual education. The bill, sponsored by Representative Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) in the House and Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami) in the Senate, will now be sent to Governor Rick Scott for his signature.

"Today's vote adopting HB 7197 is a tremendous victory for parents seeking more school choice options," said Wendy Howard, NCPSO Vice President and Florida Chapter Chair. "By authorizing additional avenues to access a quality state approved online school, Florida lawmakers recognized that when it comes to our children's education, one size doesn't fit all. We as parents are encouraged that Governor Scott will sign this virtual education legislation once he receives the measure from the Legislature."

CLICK HERE to read the full release.

Hundreds of Parents and Students Across Florida March on the Capitol in Support of Parental Choice in Education

(Tallahassee, FL) - The Florida Coalition for Public School Options (FCPSO) today hosted a successful School Choice Day with the second annual Rally in Tally. Over 600 parents and students gathered from every region in Florida to learn first-hand about the legislative process, listen to remarks from high-level policymakers, and interact with their elected representatives.

The event kicked off at the Leon County Civic Center with presentations from Rose Fernandez, Executive Director of the National Parent Network for Online Learning; Adam Peshek, Foundation for Florida's Future; and Brian Kennedy, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Public School Options. Participants then marched to the Capitol to show their support for public school choice legislation.

Florida has long been recognized as a leader in providing families with school choice and public school options. Charter schools, virtual education, corporate tax credit tuition scholarships and McKay scholarships have all served to increase parental choice and ensure thousands of children have access to the education model that best serves their learning needs. But there are many Florida families who have not yet been able to realize the benefits of school choice. For these families to have access to these same options Florida lawmakers must take the next steps towards expanding School Choice.

CLICK HERE to read the full release.

RELEASE: Zach's Mom Has Something to Say...

(Tallahassee, FL) - The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO) today announced the release of a radio message featuring Tricia Yount, a Florida parent whose son Zach is currently utilizing online learning.

Tricia Yount is a member of the Florida Coalition for Public School Options. Her son was the victim of bullying while he was in grammar school. The experience had a negative impact on his education and his outlook. Yount made a personal decision to educate her son with a blend of online and in-classroom instruction. Today, Zach is a straight-A student. Yount is an advocate for SB 1620 because it gives additional opportunities to parents seeking to tailor their child's education according to their individual need.

"Florida has been on the forefront of education innovation that has resulted in measurable student learning gains over the past 15 years," said Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami), sponsor of SB 1620. "This legislation will take us to the next level by offering high quality and cutting edge technology-based curriculum matched to individual's learning needs and not dictated by their zip code."

CLICK HERE to read the full release.

CLICK HERE to listen to the ad.

Parents, Educators, Business Leaders, Endorse Online Public School Choice

The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), representing thousands of parents and students, was joined today by representatives from Foundation for Florida's Future, The Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, Florida Virtual School, and education leaders from the House and Senate in support of SB 1620, sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores (R - Miami).

Florida Senate Committee Approves Online School Legislation

The National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO) applauds the Florida Senate Pre-K-12 Education Committee for passing Senate Bill 1620 with a unanimous vote. SB 1620 provides students with a full-time online education program tailored to their specific learning needs that is available to Florida students statewide.

RELEASE: Florida Parents Endorse Virtual School Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. - On behalf of thousands of Florida families and students, the Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options today called on the Florida Legislature to increase access to public virtual education by adopting Senate Bill 1620, sponsored by Senator Anitere Flores.

WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS!

Use NCPSO's Online Letter Desk to let your legislators know that you value virtual education and school choice! Tell them why it is important to you and ask them to support Senate Bill 1620! CLICK HERE to write your letter and help more Florida families gain access to virtual education.