Charter schools are public schools of choice with different learning opportunities for children and increased involvement with parents and community members. A charter school is able to design and deliver programs to meet the needs of the community. The school can offer students higher standards and more hands on learning. Hernando County's first charter school is the Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology.

    In Florida, funding for charter schools comes from the state and is sponsored by the local districts. As with public schools, the portion of money from the state is allotted by the Florida Legislature and distributed per student. This is referred to as FTE or Full Time Equivalent. The charter school students must also pass all state exams and meet all of the state requirements as with the public schools.

    Charter schools are operated by parents, teachers, administrators and community members. To become a charter school a proposal must be submitted to the Hernando County School Board. The following items need to be completed and submitted for approval. For more information regarding charter schools, contact the School Service Department at 352-797-7051 or email Dave Schoelles.

Hernando County's first charter school
Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology