Charter Schools

About Charter Schools

Charter schools are fully recognized as public schools. They are independently governed, free-standing public schools that offer parents and students an alternative public education outside the traditional school district system. The Charter, or contract, defines an individual school’s mission, curriculum and instructional strategies, goals and objectives, and all areas of accountability to its Sponsor, parents, students and community. It also outlines the school’s management, operations, and financial responsibilities. In Florida, the number of charter schools has grown from five schools in 1996 to more than 500 in 2011-2012.

In accordance with Florida statute, charter schools are required to be non-profit organizations, each governed by its own board of directors made up of community members and parents with business, finance, education, and legal backgrounds.  The governing board is responsible for setting policy, approving the annual budget, and ensuring the school is financially sound and operating within the required fiscal guidelines.  Charter schools teachers and staff are employees of the charter school, not employees of the school district in which the school is located.  Teachers are required to hold a valid Florida teaching certificate and must meet the “highly qualified teacher” requirements under No Child Left Behind.  As with Florida’s traditional public schools, charter schools receive funds based on their full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment.  Additional funding can be obtained through grants and private donations.

Pasco County charter schools operate under performance contracts, called a charter, with the District School Board of Pasco County.  The District School Board, through its Charter Schools Department, monitors each school for compliance with the charter and local, state and federal regulations. 

For a list of Pasco County charter schools, click “Charter Schools Directory.”  Parents interested in learning more about a charter school, or for information on enrollment, please contact the charter school directly.  The District School Board of Pasco County does not enroll students into a charter school. 

Individuals interested in employment opportunities must contact the charter school directly.  Charter school employees are NOT employees of the District School Board of Pasco County.  The School District does not maintain information related to charter school employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are independent public schools that operate under a performance contract which frees them from many of the regulations created for traditional public schools, but holds them accountable for academic and financial results. The contract between the school’s governing board of directors and the school district delineate the school’s mission, educational program, students served, goals, and student achievement objectives.

Who can attend a charter school?

Charter schools are open to all students who reside within a school district.  Unless a school is full, enrollment is on a first come, first enrolled basis.  A random selection process is used to select among students on a waiting to enroll list when a school is full.  Some charter schools are allowed, pursuant to Florida law and their charter contract, to give priority to a specific population of students,

How are children enrolled in a charter school?

Parents interested in enrolling their child in a charter school should contact the charter school directly to request information about the school, take a tour of the school, and obtain a registration packet. 

Do charter schools provide exceptional education services?

Yes.  A charter school must provide ESE services as identified by a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). .  Under certain circumstances, a charter school may not be able to meet the needs of every student.  Should this occur, the IEP committee will meet to determine the most appropriate educational setting to best serve the student’s needs.   

Do charter school students take the FCAT?

Yes, students enrolled in a Florida charter school are required to participate in the FCAT testing.

Do charter schools receive a school grade?

Yes, charter schools serving students in grades 3 and above are issued a school grade by the Florida Department of Education. A charter school’s school grade is calculated in the same manner as traditional public schools.

Do charter schools provide transportation?

Parents should contact the charter school directly to learn about transportation arrangements.

Who can teach in a charter school?

Under Florida law,  charter school teachers are required to be certified in the same manner as all other public school teachers in the state.

Who should I contact if I have a problem at the charter school my child attends?

Who should I contact if I have a problem at the charter school my child attends?
Parents should contact the charter school principal to address problems or concerns.  If the school’s administration is unable to adequately address a concern,  the issue should be brought to the attention of the charter school’s governing board. Contact information for the charter school’s governing board is available at the charter school and on each charter school’s website.

How can I obtain more information about charter schools?

For specific information regarding a Pasco County charter school, please contact the school directly.  Additional information about charter schools is available through the District School Board of Pasco County’s Charter Schools Department at 813-794-2524.

Navigation

• Charter School Services and Resource Guide

Helpful Links

• 2011 Florida Charter School Statute
• Florida Department of Education - Charter Schootls
• Charter School Statutes and Charter School State Board of Education Rules
• How to start a Charter School in Florida

Forms

• Stipend Reimbursement Form Instructions
• Stipend Reimbursement Form (MS Word Format)
• Interscholastic Extra-Curricular Activities Form

Nancy Scowcroft
Supervisor of Charter Schools
Secretary: Kristen Goodman
(813) 794-2524
(727) 774-2524
(352) 524-2524