Schools in Florida
Parents have a growing array of options in choosing a school in Florida, though the extent of the options varies from district to district.
Parents can exercise choice in many ways. The most common way may be in choosing where to live based on the public school district or neighborhood schools. In many areas, parents can choose from neighborhood schools, charter schools or other public schools of choice, or transfer their child to another public school (in or out of district). They can also select a private school (religious or secular) or teach their child at home.
Different schools offer alternatives in teaching styles, content, and learning opportunities.
Types of schools you may find:


PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Many parents choose to send their children to the public school in their neighborhood, according to an assignment system developed by the school district.
OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
You may want to investigate other public schools. In an increasing number of school districts, you can choose to send your child to a specialized public school. These schools of choice often emphasize a particular subject or have a special philosophy of education.
• Charter Schools
Charter schools are independent public schools of choice. They are very popular and among the fastest growing school choice options in Florida. Charter schools are largely free to innovate, and often provide specialized programs and choice to diverse groups of students.
Here you can find a link of Charter Schools in Miami.
• Magnet Schools
Magnet schools offer a particular theme or academic focus, such as mathematics, science, technology, business, or performing arts. The main purpose of magnet schools is to provide families with the option of choosing a school that matches their child’s interests.
Here you can find a link for Magnet Schools in Miami.
• Career Academies
Career academies are small, personalized learning communities within a high school that select a subset of students and teachers for a two-, three-, or four-year span. These schools take a school-to-work approach to education combining academic and occupational courses based on a career theme such as business, health or electronics.
Here you will find a link for Career Academies in Miami.
• Virtual Schools
Virtual schools are internet-based. Florida offers two types of virtual programs, a full- time program for students in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) and a primarily supplemental program for students in grades six through twelve (6-12).
Here you can find all virtual schools resources for Miami.
• Controlled Open Enrollment
Each district school board may offer controlled open enrollment within the public schools in addition to the existing choice programs such as magnet schools, alternative schools, special programs, advanced placement, and dual enrollment. Controlled open enrollment emphasizes the rights for families to choose among existing public schools. Instead of being assigned to a public school by a school district based on attendance zones, parents may choose a school from anywhere within the district or, if not geo- graphically feasible, from within established zones or boundaries within the district.
Here you can find more information about the controlled open enrollment program in Miami.
• Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Programs
The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program is a nationwide program consisting of more than 30 college-level courses. Students who earn a qualifying grade of 3 or above on an AP exam can earn college credit or advance placement, depending on the college and university.
• Dual Enrollment
Eligible high school students can enroll in postsecondary courses to earn credit toward high school graduation and at the same time earn credit toward a college degree or technology certificate.
The A-Business Community School (ABC) program encourages businesses to partner with school districts to house a public school at the business location. Instruction is offered from kindergarten through third (K-3) grade for the children of the employees at the site.
In addition to public schools, there may be a variety of religious and other nonpublic schools available in your area or boarding schools away from home.
Here you can find more information regarding Dual Enrollment programs in Miami.
RELIGIOUS PRIVATE SCHOOLS
The majority of nonpublic schools are religious, affiliated with a denomination, local church, or various religious faiths.
Here you can find a directory of religious private schools.
SECULAR PRIVATE SCHOOLS
There are also many nonpublic schools without a religious identity or affiliation. Some
of these private schools are preparatory schools designed to prepare students for college.
Here a directory to nonpublic or religious schools in Miami.