Florida’s charter school movement began in 1996 with the opening of the state’s first charter schools. By the 2012–2013 academic year, more than 200,000 students were enrolled in 574 charter schools across 44 school districts. These schools offer a diverse range of innovative educational models—many with specialized missions. Some charter schools emphasize themed learning in areas such as the arts, sciences, or technology, while others focus on serving specific student populations, including those at risk of academic failure or students with disabilities.

As the charter school sector continues to expand, there is a critical need for a unified and influential voice to guide this growth. That voice must advocate for equitable funding and resources, champion policy reforms that reduce systemic inequities, and support the development and sustainability of high-quality charter schools in every community throughout Florida.

The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) was established to fulfill this role. We are committed to advocating for fair treatment of all public school students and educating policymakers on the significant impact charter schools have in meeting the diverse educational needs of Florida’s students. Through collaboration, leadership, and a relentless focus on quality, FCSA works to strengthen the charter school movement and advance excellence in public education statewide.