Can’t you feel a brand new day? Public schools and scholarships work together for Florida families
When I think about the state of public education in Florida, I recall a song from “The Wiz,” the 1978 film reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz,” where Diana Ross sang, “Can’t you feel a brand new day?” It’s a brand new day in our state’s educational history. Parents are...OUR LATEST
The future of education is happening now. In Florida. And public school districts are pushing into new frontiers by making it possible for all students, including those on education choice... READ MORE
It’s been a month since classes started, and Matthew Ottenwess is settled into his freshman year at Tampa Catholic High School. He’s made friends and likes his teachers. His high score... READ MORE
Education choice opponents step up attacks as states give families more control and learning options
As education choice options expand for families across the nation, opponents are stepping up their fight to preserve the status quo. Observers say these conflicts are examples of growing... READ MORE
The EdChoice blog recently delivered some good news, specifically that the number of students using private choice programs increased by 25% last year. In fact, if you cobble together some... READ MORE
MELBOURNE, Fla. – When it comes to her son’s education, Denice Santos always thinks about the big picture. “What can we do to merge his goals?” she said. “Education, and... READ MORE
During a 1916 football game between Georgia Tech and Cumberland, Georgia Tech coach John Heisman famously urged his players on to victory- “You’re doing all right, team, we’re ahead. But... READ MORE
Choice opponents have been known to throw contradictory arguments out against private choice programs. One moment they will claim that the majority of kids using universal choice programs were already... READ MORE
SARASOTA, Fla. – Duct taped to the wall of Eliah Hillebrand’s bedroom, next to the light switch, is the engine from one of his remote-controlled cars. Attached to that is... READ MORE
John E. Coons was ahead of his time. Decades before the term “education savings account” became an integral part of the education choice movement, the law professor at the University... READ MORE
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LEARNING SPOTLIGHTS
Education choice scholarship a ‘game-changer’ for military family transferring to Florida
It’s been a month since classes started, and Matthew Ottenwess is settled into his freshman year at Tampa Catholic High School. He’s made friends and likes his teachers. His high score on the school’s entrance exam gained him admission to three honors classes and one AP course. He plays linebacker on... READ MORE
MELBOURNE, Fla. – When it comes to her son’s education, Denice Santos always thinks about the big picture. “What can we do to merge his goals?” she said. “Education, and... READ MORE
This is what home education looks like to Vivian McCoy: Feeding horses in the morning. Mucking stalls, too. Doing the same in the late afternoon, plus whatever else needs to... READ MORE
IDEAS & INNOVATIONS
On track to accelerate as education choice expands
A unique online school focused on the needs of elite motocross competitors shows the power of education freedom. READ MORE
Rising parent demand stretches Florida’s Personalized Education Program to its limit for 2024-25
Florida’s scholarship program for K-12 students who don’t attend school full-time has turned on the “no vacancy” sign. The Personalized Education Program operates as an education savings account that allocates an average of $8,000 per student for approved education-related expenses. It has reached its statutory capacity of 60,000 students for... READ MORE
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Millions of students in American public schools are lucky if they get 30 minutes of recess a day. But the students at Wild Oak Explorers spend... READ MORE
DAVENPORT, Fla. – Valeria Oquendo didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. “Ms. V,” as her students call her, had wanted to be a teacher since she was a teenager.... READ MORE
During World War II the British kept a group of stately manors for high-ranking German military prisoners. The British treated them well in these gilded cages, giving them full access... READ MORE
Education is no longer about students sitting in rows of desks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. And school choice, the term supporters used for years to describe the movement... READ MORE
Education Next published a piece recently by Holly Korbey called The Tutoring Revolution, which reads in part: Recent research suggests that the number of students seeking help with academics is... READ MORE
TAMPA, Florida — The 22 high schoolers at Integrity Tabernacle Christian Academy donned their school T-shirts and left at dawn for the two-hour bus trip from near Orlando to ride... READ MORE
Some of the most valuable learning experiences happen outside the classroom. Public education is evolving to support more learning by doing. READ MORE
In the early days of education savings accounts, several of our intrepid Scooby-gang members wrote and spoke about user reviews as the future of “accountability.” In a multi-vendor system, we... READ MORE
Despite calls for reform and waves of attempted transformation, key features of American schools have been remarkably stable for more than a century. Students spend six or so hours... READ MORE
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