Florida parents are school selective at one of the highest rates in the nation, with an estimated 3.2 million parents of school-age children considering at least one new school for their child in the past year.
A new survey of 508 Florida parents released by the National Foundation for School Choice reveals that 81% of Florida parents are considering a new school for at least one child by 2025.
26% of people ended up enrolling their children in a new school, higher than the national enrollment rate of 21%.
Parents most often cited practical reasons for their search, including transitioning between school levels (23%), children starting school for the first time (21%), and moving to a new community (16%). Safety and school culture were also important priorities, with 56% saying they wanted a safe and supportive environment.
Demand shows no signs of slowing down. Looking ahead, 68% of Florida parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one child in the next 12 months.
Florida families have access to a wide range of K-12 education options, including traditional public schools with unlimited open enrollment, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools supported by state-funded education savings accounts, full-time online learning, homeschooling and microschooling. Florida’s Universal Education Savings Account program allows families to use public funds for private school tuition, homeschool fees, and other approved education expenses, expanding access to schools outside of their assigned district.
“Florida’s policies have long led the nation in empowering families, and the results are clear. As one of the most choice-rich states in the country, parents in the Sunshine State are actively making informed decisions about their children’s education,” said Andrew Campanella, CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “That said, families still need help choosing their options, and we are ready to work with moms and dads to find the learning environment that best suits their child’s needs. The most important thing parents can do right now is to start that process early.”
National School Choice Week, which runs from January 25-31, provides Florida families with an opportunity to learn more about their educational options. More than 3,127 schools and organizations across the Sunshine State will host events and activities such as school fairs, information sessions, parent nights and open houses. For more information, visit SchoolChoiceWeek.com.
