Surge in Homeschooling and Charter Schools Blames Public School Closures in Florida

The exodus of students from public schools in Florida has forced some schools to consider closing down while parents explore alternative educational options like homeschooling and charter schools.

The impact of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reverberate, with a significant increase in homeschooling rates nationwide. In Florida, parents' dissatisfaction with the public school system has led to a surge in enrollment in charter schools and homeschooling, contributing to the potential closure of some public schools.

Sarra Burnett, a Washington mother, shares her experience choosing homeschooling for her children during the pandemic. She now advocates for parents to prioritize their children's educational needs and consider homeschooling as an option.

Public schools in Florida, especially in the state's largest counties, are grappling with the consequences of dwindling enrollment and the growing popularity of charter schools and homeschooling. Corey DeAngelis, Senior Fellow at the American Federation For Children, emphasizes that schools must address the needs of students to retain their enrollment.

Data reveals that around 53,000 students have departed from public schools in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Duval counties, prompting these districts to cut costs and consider school closures. State data also indicates an influx of over 68,000 students into charter schools statewide.

The trend towards alternative educational paths began before Governor Ron DeSantis implemented universal school choice in 2023. The policy removed financial eligibility restrictions and enrollment caps, broadening access to school choice options for all 1.3 million K-12 students in Florida.

Governor DeSantis' office highlighted that Florida already has more than 1.3 million students enrolled full-time in their preferred school option, surpassing the entire K-12 enrollment of 35 other states.

In Broward County, public schools have witnessed a substantial decline in students attending in favor of charter schools. The district is contemplating closing up to 42 schools to address the surplus of open seats.

DeAngelis suggests that competition from school choice has fostered improvements in public schools, citing studies to support his claim. He criticizes the Florida teachers union for their opposition to school choice and their subsequent complaints about declining enrollment.

DeAngelis emphasizes the responsibility of public schools to focus on quality education rather than indoctrination to prevent further student exodus.

Florida is among a growing number of Republican-led states embracing universal school choice. Nine states enacted such measures last year, and Wyoming, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Louisiana are expected to pass their own legislation in upcoming legislative sessions.

As parents seek educational options that align with their values and provide their children with the best opportunities, the landscape of public education in Florida continues to evolve. The surge in homeschooling and charter schools has forced public schools to reassess their approach to regain student enrollment and meet the changing needs of parents and students alike.