(Tallahassee, FL) - The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), representing thousands of parents and students, today applauds newly established and volunteer virtual charter school boards across the state that filed applications to their local districts to open online charter schools.

"Florida parents asked for increased access to virtual education, and this spring the legislature and Gov. Rick Scott responded by allowing for virtual charter schools," said Wendy Howard, Chair of the Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options. "For the first time, Florida families will have access to a dedicated virtual school. These charter schools will remove barriers to this effective, economical, and cutting-edge knowledge delivery option."

Florida House Bill 7197, sponsored this year by State Representative Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and State Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami) and signed into law by Governor Scott, created the "Digital Learning Now Act." This new law requires school districts to establish virtual instruction options, authorizes the establishment of virtual charter schools, and provides more accessible and transparent information to parents looking for virtual learning opportunities for their children. 

Online charter schools offer Florida families a dedicated full-service virtual school, continuity and consistency in a customized education delivery system and greater access to the virtual program of their choice.

Virtual charter school applications were due to sponsoring school districts by Monday, August 1, 2011.  The Florida Department of Education requires districts to respond to the application within sixty days.

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