Florida Survey

Florida Parents Searching for K–12 Schools for Kids in Record Numbers

Survey of 508 Florida Parents

Florida is one of the nation’s most active states for K–12 school choice, with higher rates of school searching than parents nationwide. In the past year, 81% of Florida parents considered a new school for at least one of their children, compared with 75% across the country. Meanwhile, 68% of Florida parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026, compared with 62% of parents nationwide. According to the National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s January 2026 survey of 508 Florida parents:

• Twenty-six percent of all Florida parents enrolled at least one child in a new school or switched to homeschooling. Searches were most common in the early grades, with activity highest in pre-K (22%), kindergarten (18%), and first grade (14%).

• Florida parents’ searches were driven largely by practical life and school-stage transitions. School-level transitions (23%), children entering school for the first time (21%), and moving to a new community or state (16%) accounted for many searches. Dissatisfaction with a child’s current school or a desire for better fit was cited by 33%.

• Florida parents prioritized school environment and fit when evaluating options. A safe, supportive environment (56%), a positive social environment (48%), and a particular educational theme or approach (38%) were cited most often. Affordability was also a key consideration (33%).

• Florida parents who enrolled children in new schools last year selected from a wide range of school types. The most common choices were private religious schools (25%), traditional public schools in the neighborhood (20%), and public charter schools (19%).

• Florida parents who searched but did not enroll cited a mix of logistical and decision-related barriers. Transportation challenges were cited by 31% of parents, alongside concerns about disrupting a child’s academic or social life (31%) and uncertainty about making the wrong choice (27%).

• Florida parents said they want more information to help them navigate school choice. Government programs or funding to afford private schooling or homeschooling (45%), free or low-cost transportation options (37%), and guidance on determining school fit (37%) were cited most frequently.