2011-2012 Opportunity Scholarship Program

Public School Option

The Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) created under Florida’s A+ Education Plan reflects Florida’s commitment to higher educational standards for students. The Opportunity Scholarship Program allows parents to choose a higher performing public school if their children attend, or are assigned to attend, a failing Florida public school. Students entering kindergarten or first grade who have been notified by their school district that their assigned school is a failing school may also be eligible to participate. On January 5, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling declaring a private school option of the Opportunity Scholarship Program unconstitutional.

s. 1002.38, Florida Statutes

Opportunity Scholarship Program for Pasco County

Students zoned to attend Gulf Highlands Elementary, Hudson Elementary, Marlowe Elementary, and Lacoochee Elementary may be eligible to participate in Florida’s Opportunity Scholarship Program outlined in House Bill 1331.  This eligibility is based on 2010-2011 School Grades and the schools’ performance under the Department of Education’s Differentiated Accountability Plan.  At the designated schools, the School Improvement Plans include ways we will work with students to improve achievement in identified areas.  These schools will also receive more focused attention from the district and state to target these areas.  Parents are invited and encouraged to assist in the development of the School Improvement Plan, and to join and attend other leadership groups to help promote school improvement. 

Under the Opportunity Scholarship Program, parents have the following options:

* You may choose to have your child remain at the zoned school.  If you choose this option, just be sure your child is present on the first day of class.

* You may transfer your child to one of the following public schools, with district-provided transportation available:

Sending School:          OSP School Choice Options:

GHES                         GTES, CES

HES                           GTES, CES

JMMES                       SSES, CES

LES                             SAES, CENES

* You may transfer your student to a “C” or better graded public school in another county, as long as space is available.  Transportation will not be provided.

You may download and print an application for the Opportunity Scholarship Program here.  More information about the Opportunity Scholarship Program can also be found at http://www.floridaschoolchoice.org

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Download: Home Education Information Packet
Letter to Open Home Education Program (español)
Letter to Close Home Education Program

Students in Transition Program/Homeless Students: Please contact Erika Remsberg, Homeless Liaison for Pasco County Schools
813-794-4980

Florida's central web resource for students and parents. Visit FACTS.org and ePEP for your "one stop" shopping for high school and post secondary academic career explanation, decision-making, and planning.