Twelve Florida Charter High School Graduates Win Prestigious Scholarships from the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) 

Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships are awarded based on academic accomplishments and financial need 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 9, 2026) – Twelve Florida charter high school graduates have been named recipients of the 2026 Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS). 

The Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships are merit-based financial awards of $1,500 each.  They are awarded to graduating college-bound or technical school-bound students from Florida charter schools.  

Recipients of Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships have strong academic records and demonstrate financial need.  Scholarship funds may be used towards college expenses, including tuition, textbooks, materials and supplies, and computer equipment. 

Dr. Carlo Rodriguez was an education advocate who worked tirelessly to expand quality school choice options for children.  He was the head of the charter school office of Miami-Dade Public Schools and was named to head the Florida Department of Education's Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice.  He passed away unexpectedly in 2007. 

Listed alphabetically, the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships are: 

--Dana Aljubouri, River City Science Academy Middle-High, Jacksonville

--Kezia Alvin, State College of Florida Collegiate School, Bradenton

--D’Jorn Cox, Odyssey Charter School, Palm Bay

--Alisha Drake, Babcock High School, Babcock Ranch

--Andrea Gatson-Saintil, Somerset Preparatory Charter High School, North Lauderdale

--Tyrus Grimes, Destin High School, Destin

--Abigail King, Clark Advanced Learning Center, Stuart

--James Mohan, State College of Florida Collegiate School Venice, Venice

--Andres Mosquera, SLAM North, North Miami Beach

--Daschle Nelson, Pensacola State College Charter Academy, Pensacola

--Anthony Rivas, Pepin Academy, Tampa

--Mateo Suarez, Manatee School for the Arts, Palmetto 

“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships,” said Robert Haag, President of FCPCS.  “The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools salutes their accomplishments and dedication.  We expect even more great things as they continue with their education.” 

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools acknowledges the meaningful support it receives for the Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarship Program from EGIS Insurance & Risk Advisors of Boca Raton.  The company sponsored four of the scholarships and is a preferred partner of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.  Eight of the scholarships are sponsored by FCPCS. 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.

12th-Grade Student at Orlando Science High School Wins 4-Year College Scholarship 

Orlando Science High School is a Member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) 

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 27, 2026) – A 12th-grade student at Orlando Science High School has won a 4-year Florida College Plan Scholarship as part of the America250FL essay and art contests to celebrate the founding of America.  Orlando Science High School is part of Orlando Science Schools and a member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS). 

Tomas Garcia of Orlando Science High School is one of eight essay contest winners who submitted original essays and artwork based on the theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America.”  Garcia’s winning essay is titled, “Henry Flagler’s Contribution to Florida History.” 

Winning students were named at a recent reception at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.  Six students in grades K-5 and eight middle and high school students in grades 6-12 won college scholarships provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. 

“Congratulations to Tomas Garcia and to Orlando Science High School for this meaningful recognition in connection with the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.  “We applaud the State of Florida’s support for this year’s 250^th Anniversary Celebration, and for including many of Florida’s most outstanding students.” 

In announcing the winning entries, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “The creativity and thoughtfulness of these entries embodies the very best of Florida’s students, and these students have shown a deep appreciation for our state’s heritage and history that I am sure they will carry on in the future.”

“America’s 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence is a time to honor and celebrate all that our country has accomplished,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoustas.  “I commend the students who participated in the America250FL art and essay contests.  Their submissions thoughtfully captured the ideals and vision of America’s Founding Fathers. I am proud to congratulate the winners on their outstanding work.” 

“I commend the creativity and intellectual rigor displayed by these students,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd.  “By honoring and respecting our history, these winners have shown a profound understanding of the true greatness of our nation.” 

“Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize these talented student winners as part of America’s 250th Anniversary commemoration,” said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida.  “Through their creativity and thoughtful reflections, these students are helping tell the story of Florida’s contributions to our nation while inspiring pride, service and civic engagement in communities across our state.  We congratulate each of the winners and look forward to celebrating their achievements as we honor this historic milestone together.” 

The essay and art competitions are among many events organized by the State of Florida to commemorate the nation’s founding.  For more information about Florida’s contributions to America, visit www.America250FL.com. 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools   

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.

Florida’s Charter Schools Clarify Their Public School Status

Charter Schools are Tuition-Free Public Schools under Florida Law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — May 11, 2026 — The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) today clarified the public school status of Florida’s charter schools.  Some recent news reports regarding a voucher lawsuit in Florida have incorrectly characterized charter schools as private schools or voucher schools.  The lawsuit concerns private schools participating in voucher programs, not public charter schools.

Under Florida Statute 1002.33, charter schools are tuition‑free public schools and part of Florida’s system of free public education. They do not receive voucher funds and are funded through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), using the same formula applied to district‑run public schools.

Florida’s charter school sector continues to grow because families want high‑quality public school options.  According to FCPCS:

• 408,481 students attend Florida public charter schools
• 738 charter schools operate across 46 counties in the state
• Charter schools serve 14.6% of Florida’s 2,7922,954 public school students
• Both the number of Florida charter schools and the number of students enrolled in Florida charter schools increased during the most recent school year

Florida’s public charter schools operate under rigorous oversight from their district sponsors and from the state.  According to FCPCS:

• Charter school teachers must be certified by the Florida Department of Education — the same requirement applied to district teachers
• Charter schools administer all statewide assessments
• Charter schools receive state accountability grades using the same criteria as district schools
• Charter schools must submit monthly or quarterly financial reports, an annual independent financial audit, and undergo a state‑mandated operational review
• District sponsors have the authority to close a charter school for academic or financial underperformance

“Charter schools are part of Florida’s public school system,” said Robert Haag, President of FCPCS.  “We share the same mission -- ensuring every child in Florida has access to a high‑quality public education.”

He continued, “Florida’s public charter schools work closely with their district sponsors every day.  We welcome accountability, we follow the law, and we serve hundreds of thousands of Florida students in communities across this state.”

About Florida's Public Charter Schools

Since 1999, Florida’s public charter schools have provided innovative, student‑centered learning environments that expand high‑quality public education options for families. Charter schools are nonprofit, nonsectarian public schools governed by volunteer boards and held to rigorous academic and financial standards.

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools     

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven.  FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.

Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate National Charter Schools Week, May 10-16, 2026 

Member Schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are Encouraged to Join a Major Celebration of the Charter Schools Movement 

DAVIE, Fla. (May 5, 2026) – May 10-16, 2026 is National Charter Schools Week, and many of Florida’s charter schools are expected to take part in the major celebration of the charter schools movement.  738 of the nation’s 8,000 public charter schools are located in Florida, and they serve 408,481 Florida students, or more than nine percent of the nearly 4.4 million students attending charter schools throughout the country. 

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is encouraging its member schools to bring the celebration to their Florida communities, to showcase the strong local reach of the charter school movement in the state and its significant impact on Florida students.  

Public charter schools are an important part of the public education landscape in Florida and throughout the country.  Charter school enrollment in Florida represents 14.6 percent of the total K-12 public school enrollment in Florida of 2,792,954 students.  Both the number of Florida charter schools and the number of students enrolled in Florida charter schools increased during the most recent school year. 

“Florida is a leader in the national charter schools movement,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag.  “We encourage our member schools to showcase the success of charter schools in their communities during National Charter Schools Week.” 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools 

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.