National Charter Schools Week Highlights the Growing Impact of Charter Schools
Serving Nearly Half a Million Students in Florida – May 10–16, 2023
The Florida Charter School Alliance joins charter schools nationwide in celebrating National Charter Schools Week (May 10-16, 2026) and honoring more than 8,000 public charter schools, 251,000 dedicated teachers, and countless lawmakers and advocates who support nearly 4 million charter school students across the country. In Florida, public charter schools serve nearly half a million students, accounting for approximately 14% of the state’s total K–12 public school population. Nearly 71% of enrolled students are minorities.
In partnership with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, this week-long celebration highlights how charter schools prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on learning experiences they need to succeed in school and in life.“For decades, Florida legislators and governors have been committed to supporting parental choice and charter schools, ensuring that families—regardless of ZIP code—have access to innovative, high-quality public education options,” said Lynn Norman-Teck, Executive Director of the Florida Charter School Alliance and a charter school parent. “This week is an opportunity to celebrate Florida’s leadership in the development and support of high-quality charter schools, advancing student achievement, and empowering parents.”
Florida’s charter schools have been a vital part of the state’s public education system for more than 29 years, offering a broad and dynamic range of educational programs and serving both urban and rural communities.
“My charter school experience gave me stability, belief, and direction at a time when much of my life felt uncertain. Somerset was the place where I felt consistently supported, challenged, and seen,” said Tony Morales, Somerset Academy Chapel Trail, Class of 2012, and founder of Prepory. This organization provides beginning-to-end college admissions guidance for high school students. “The teachers and mentors at my school consistently reinforced the idea that curiosity, effort, and learning mattered. That environment helped me develop a strong identity around education as a pathway forward, not just academically but personally. I leaned into leadership roles, clubs, and learning because school offered structure and encouragement, and it showed me that investing in education could open doors to mentors, opportunities, and long-term purpose. Those early experiences shaped my values around persistence, self-advocacy, and the transformative power of educational institutions, values that continue to guide my career and the work I do today.” Mater Academy Middle High alumnus Yenesis Alvarez (Class of 2018) teaches at Mater Brickell where she launched a dynamic entrepreneurial workshop that teaches business skills with empowering hands-on, real-world initiatives. “My charter school experience…changed the trajectory of my life,” said Ms. Alvarez. Click here to listen to our conversation with her.
Florida’s charter schools offer a variety of programs, including exceptional student education, dropout prevention, classical education models, career readiness, STEM education, rigorous college-preparatory programs, performing and visual arts, language immersion, Montessori education, and academies serving high-need communities.
While each school is unique, all charter schools share a common mission: a steadfast commitment to educational excellence and to serving the students and communities that rely on them. The schools are also raising student achievement among all demographics. Data from the Florida Department of Education shows that Florida’s charter schools continue to perform strongly academically, earning an overall “A” grade on the state’s 2024–25 assessment. This achievement reflects their continued commitment to student success through targeted data analysis, innovative practices, predictive insights, and a relentless focus on supporting all learners.
Charter schools remain the fastest-growing sector in public education. Over the last six school years, charter schools nationwide have gained more than half a million new students—an increase of 15%—while enrollment in Florida charter schools has grown by 22%. Where there is space, families want seats in charter schools.
ABOUT FCSA – The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on charter schools’ legislative policy and environments in the state of Florida. We advocate for students and charter schools throughout the state, positively impacting more than 408,000 students enrolled in one of the state’s 734 charter schools. Our members offer a diverse range of educational programs – from urban to rural campuses, programs specializing in exceptional students or dropout prevention, to unique classical curricula, and college-prep programs in high-need areas. Yet all our member schools have a common thread – a steadfast commitment to raising the bar on public education and providing a quality education option to the children and communities they serve.
