Florida Schools of Hope

“What Are Florida’s ‘Schools of Hope’

A look at a controversial education reform: charter schools called “Schools of Hope” operate in historically low-performing school zones. What's really at stake especially for Black communities?

What Is a “School of Hope”?

• Legally defined in Florida Statute § 1002.333. The Florida Senate+2The Florida Senate+2

• It’s a public charter school, not private but run by a non-profit “hope operator.” Florida Department of Education+1

• Must serve students from persistently low-performing schools or live in a Florida “Opportunity Zone.” The Florida Senate+1

• Must be a Title I school (i.e., serving many low-income students). Justia Law

This isn’t just any charter school “Schools of Hope” are explicitly designed to target under-resourced, low-performing school zones.

Who Runs These Schools? (Hope Operators):

• A hope operator must be a nonprofit (501c3) that already runs at least 3 charter schools. Florida Department of Education+2Justia Law+2

• These operators are vetted; the state board only approves ones with track records. Florida Department of Education

• Examples of “hope operators” in Florida: Mater Academy, IDEA Public Schools, KIPP (NJ), Democracy Prep, Success Academy, Renaissance / Warrington. Florida Department of Education

Why this matters for Black Floridians:Who is making decisions about your child’s school matters. These operators control curriculum, staffing, school culture.

How These Schools Are Funded / Supported:

• The Schools of Hope Program (within Florida DOE) provides extra state funding for startup costs. The Florida Senate+1

• Uses include: hiring teachers and support staff, professional learning, educational materials, building or leasing facilities. The Florida Senate

• There’s also a revolving loan fund to help build or lease school facilities. Florida Department of Education

• The state may cover local tax effort / ad valorem costs in certain cases. The Florida Senate

Implication: These schools get funding advantages in setup which can make them more viable in tough neighborhoods.

Why Florida Created Schools of Hope (Policy Goal):

• To provide high-quality educational alternatives in areas with persistently low-performing public schools. The Florida Senate+1

• To close the “opportunity gap” for students in failing schools. The Florida Senate

• To encourage nonprofit charter operators with experience serving low-income students to step in. Florida Department of Education

Historically, many Black neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by under-resourced public schools. This policy is pitched as a “rescue” but whether it actually rescues Black students depends on how these schools operate and are resourced.

Recent Changes & Expansion:

• In 2025, lawmakers expanded the definition of “persistently low-performing” schools, which could increase how many schools qualify. WUSF+1

• New law allows “Schools of Hope” to co-locate in public school buildings (even if under-enrolled) to use vacant space. WFSU News+1

• This could reshape how charter schools use existing public school infrastructure. WUSF

Why this matters:Expanding eligibility + co-location makes it easier for charter operators to open more “Schools of Hope” but also might shift resources away from traditional public schools.

Criticisms & Risks:

• Resource Drain: Critics argue these charter schools could pull funding (or students) from struggling public schools. WFSU News

• Equity Concerns: Without careful oversight, charter operators may not serve all students equally.

• Accountability: Even though they get state money, charter schools sometimes have less oversight than district schools — local control can weaken.

• Community Impact: When public school buildings are repurposed or partially used by charters, neighborhood schools might lose space or resources. The Washington Post+1

Specific risk for Floridians: If these schools succeed, traditional public schools (especially in Black neighborhoods) might be further underfunded or marginalized. If they fail, students could be left in yet another unstable school option.

Potential Benefits If Done Right:

• Access to new, high-quality charter schools in neighborhoods that have been historically under-resourced.

• More choice: families could opt out of underperforming public schools.

• Opportunity for innovative teaching models, extended learning, or enriched curriculum in these schools.

• If hope operators prioritize equity, these schools could close achievement gaps for Black students.

What Black Floridians Should Do / Watch ForActionable Points:

1. Get informed — Ask your local school district or county school board whether there are (or will be) Schools of Hope in your zip code or neighborhood.

2. Engage — Attend public meetings about these schools. Push for transparency in how they’ll recruit, hire, and serve students.

3. Advocate for equity — Demand that Schools of Hope enroll a representative student body (including Black students), and that they offer robust supports (special education, wrap-around services, after school, etc.).

4. Push for accountability — Support policies that hold charter operators accountable (reporting on academic outcomes, turnover, discipline, financials).

5. Vote — School board decisions, charter authorizer policies, and state education laws all matter. Use your voice.