DeSantis signs law allowing Florida’s private school students to play sports at public schools
Spectrum News | By
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 248, which among other provisions, gives more options for more students to participate in public school sports.
Students that are attending a virtual school program, like Florida Virtual, or students at a private school, are now given the chance the play sports with local public school teams.
Ryken Wilson is a rising ninth-grader at Florida Prep in Melbourne. One of the many sports he plays is basketball, and his skills are next level.
“It’s fun. I get to work out and have fun at the same time, so it’s cool,” Wilson said.
Wilson also plays football for a youth league in Merritt Island.
But now that he’s 14, he’s aging out.
“I’m going to try and find a high school to play for since they don’t have it here,” he said.
Florida Prep doesn’t have a football program, and finding one for Wilson to play for was going to be difficult.
At least before July 1, when Florida Senate Bill 248 went into effect, giving private schoolers like Wilson more flexibility when it comes to joining public school athletic programs.
Students will be able to play for sports teams at the school they are zoned for.
Florida Prep Athletic Director and basketball coach Montel Stewart says he has several students who play football who will take advantage.
“To give them the opportunity to go to another school to show what they can do, to put Florida Prep on the map that we have those type of athletes as well,” Stewart said.
School choice advocates say this law is an example of the growing demand for flexible learning and extracurricular options.
And they say it gives families more control over children’s learning experiences.
Wilson looks forward to showing off his talent on the high school football field.
“Playing offense and running back, it’s super fun to outmaneuver your opponent and score a touchdown,” he said with a smile.
This bill allows home educated students to participate in public school athletic teams at any public school in their district as long as they live in the district.
