Living in Florida · Schools
Florida schools: your choices, explained
Florida gives families more choice than most states. Here's every kind of school, the state scholarships any family can apply for, and official grades and rankings for every public school in Florida.
Types of school
Zoned public schools
Free. Every address is assigned (zoned) to an elementary, middle and high school. Check the zone for the exact address with the school district, because zones can change.
Magnet programs
Free public programs with a theme, such as engineering, medicine, the arts or languages. Many take applications from across the county, often by lottery.
Charter schools
Free public schools run independently under a contract with the district. Many have waiting lists and admit by lottery, so apply early.
Private schools
Independent schools that charge tuition. State scholarships (below) can cover much of the cost at participating schools.
Religious schools
Florida has many Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic and other faith-based schools. Most are private, and many accept state scholarships.
Online and virtual school
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is a free public online school for Florida students, full time or for single courses. Many districts also run their own virtual schools.
Home school
Parents notify the county school superintendent within 30 days, keep a portfolio and arrange a yearly evaluation. Families can mix home school with FLVS courses and local co-ops.
Gifted and high achievers
Districts screen and serve gifted students, often with dedicated classes or centers. Older students can earn college credit through AP, IB, AICE and free dual enrollment at state colleges.
Children with special needs
Public schools provide Exceptional Student Education (ESE) with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), or a Section 504 plan. Some families choose specialist private schools using the FES-UA scholarship (below).
Free pre-K
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is free for every 4-year-old who lives in Florida, at participating private providers and public schools.
State scholarships any family can apply for
FES-EO and FTC scholarships
Help with private school tuition and fees, or with transportation to a public school in another district. Since 2023, every Florida K-12 student who could attend a public school is eligible, with priority for lower-income families.
FES-UA (unique abilities)
For students with certain disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and others, from age 3. The account can pay for private school, therapies, tutoring, equipment and more.
PEP (home education)
The Personalized Education Program gives home-educated students an account for approved learning costs. Places are limited.
Bright Futures (college)
Merit scholarships for Florida high school graduates that can cover up to 100% of tuition at Florida public colleges and universities.
Scholarships are administered by approved organizations such as Step Up For Students. Rules, amounts and deadlines change each year, so check the current details before you apply.
Official school grades and rankings
Each summer the Florida Department of Education grades most public schools and every district from A to F. The latest results are for the 2025-26 school year, published in summer 2026.
| School district | 2025-26 district grade | Find a school or check a zone | Every school ranked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange County (Orlando, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Horizon West) | A | ocps.net | Orange schools → |
| Lake County (Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Montverde, Leesburg) | A | lake.k12.fl.us | Lake schools → |
| Seminole County (Sanford, Oviedo, Lake Mary) | A | scps.k12.fl.us | Seminole schools → |
| Osceola County (Kissimmee, St. Cloud, parts of Four Corners) | B | osceolaschools.net | Osceola schools → |
| Polk County (Davenport, Lakeland, parts of Four Corners) | B | polkschoolsfl.com | Polk schools → |
| Sumter County (The Villages area) | A | sumter.k12.fl.us | Sumter schools → |
Source: Florida Department of Education, 2026 School Grades Results Packet (data current as of September 1, 2026). This is the latest information we have; grades are updated every summer, and we update this page when they are.
See every Florida school's grade, score and rank → FLDOE school grades ↗
Common questions
Can my child go to a public school outside our zone?
Often, yes. Florida law lets parents apply to any public school that has space, including in another district, through "controlled open enrollment". Each district sets its own application window and rules, and transportation is usually not provided.
Are scholarships for private school only for low-income families?
No. Since 2023, every Florida K-12 student who is eligible to attend a public school can apply for a state scholarship (the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options or the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship), with priority for lower-income families. Students with certain disabilities can apply for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities.
What do Florida school grades mean?
Each year the Florida Department of Education gives most public schools a grade from A to F, based mainly on state test results, learning gains, and, for high schools, graduation rates and college and career readiness. A grade is one useful measure, but visiting the school and talking to parents tells you much more.
How do I home school in Florida?
Send a written notice to your county school superintendent within 30 days of starting, keep a portfolio of your child's work, and have an annual evaluation. Home-educated students can also take free online courses through Florida Virtual School and may apply for the Personalized Education Program scholarship.
Moving and need help with schools?
Tell us the ages of your children and what matters to you, and we'll help you find the official school zones for any home you're considering.
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Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use