Florida charter schools reach record student enrollment
Tampa Bay Times | By: Jeffrey S. Solochek | September 3, 2026
The big story: While Florida’s traditional public schools lament steep enrollment declines, a group representing charter schools presents a different tale.
In 2025-26, charters hit record enrollment highs, according to the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.
Nearly 408,500 children attended the 738 privately run, publicly funded campuses in 46 counties across the state. That represents 14.6% of all public school enrollment.
It was the second year in which more than 400,000 children attended Florida charter schools.
That trend appears to continue this year, with several districts reporting charter growth alongside increased voucher participation. In Pasco County, for instance, charter enrollment was up by 1,383 children from a year earlier after 10 days of classes.
Meanwhile, districts continue to explore their options such as closing and consolidating campuses.
Miami-Dade County’s new superintendent announced Wednesday he would delay his district’s review process, though, to give himself added time to get familiar with the possibilities, WLRN reports. The previous superintendent had released a list of 27 schools under review.
