Florida has emerged as “the destination of the moment” in the United States, not only for those who wish to take a temporary holiday amidst its crystal-clear waters and heavenly beaches, but also for those who have decided to change their lives by setting a long-term plan. This includes young people in search of opportunities and creative stimulation, as well as active adults over the age of 55 who have no doubt about choosing Florida as their preferred destination, thanks to the renowned active adult communities of the Sunshine State (discover all the advantages of living in active adult communities in Florida). Moreover, each year, hundreds of families decide to move to Florida, certainly attracted by its reputation for having one of the largest and most complex school systems in the United States.
Florida schools: a school system for all
With more than 2.8 million students enrolled in nearly 4.300 state schools and more than 2.000 private schools, the education system in Florida is committed to educating a wide variety of students from very different social and economic backgrounds.This presents a significant challenge, but Florida seems to be facing it without any hesitation by meeting the requests of all the foreigners who move to the state every year through the allocation of a school by the local school district. Families also have the option to choose a different school by submitting a simple transfer request.
The Florida school system is based on a voucher system that allows students to use public funds to attend private schools. A system, therefore, in which public and private schools compete with each other with the aim of offering the best possible educational and training service to students and families.
Schools in Florida follow a 12-year (K-12) structure, covering kindergarten through high school; public schools tend to be based on a standard curriculum called the ‘Florida Standard’, from which, however, more and more schools tend to break away to follow alternative programmes such as the Montessori method or the Reggio Emilia method. On the other hand, private schools offer highly specialized and rigorous curricula with distinct educational philosophies, often focusing on the arts or sports. These schools, operated by private organizations, can be religious or secular and typically require high standards for admission, both in terms of finances and academic achievement, making them highly selective.
The best public and private schools in Florida
Among the public schools, Pine View School for the Gifted in Osprey, Sarasota County, undoubtedly stands out (discover the best NEO properties in this area). It provides an advanced and cutting-edge education for exceptionally talented students in the fields of sciences, arts, and humanities. With a highly selective admission process, the school has garnered numerous accolades and awards that have led it to be considered one of the best public schools in Florida.
Another distinguished public school is the Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) in Miami.
As for private schools in Florida, one of the best is the American Heritage School in Plantation, a K-12 school that offers an advanced and challenging curriculum that includes AP and IB courses, as well as a wide range of extracurricular programmes including sports, arts and community activities.
Additionally, Florida boasts several other exceptional schools, such as Edgewood Jr/Sr High School in Merritt Island, Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, and International Studies Charter High School in Miami.
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges for families relocating to Florida is navigating through the vast array of valuable educational options while considering their financial capabilities and finding the best fit for their children’s interests and aptitudes. Despite the controversies surrounding the voucher system and the teacher evaluation program based on standardized tests, Florida has achieved remarkable educational outcomes and continues to evolve by investing significant resources in teacher training and educational technology.
