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General Education Information, Educational Instruction
Information for Everyone
- Sunshine State Standards
- Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)
- Required Instruction
- Maximum Class Size
- Student Progression
- Report Cards; End-of-the-Year Status
- Kindergarten Eligibility
Information for Secondary Students
High School Graduation
- General Requirements for High School Graduation
- Accelerated High School Graduation Options
- High School Graduation Requirements for Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Transfer Students
- High School Equivalency Diploma Program
Important Links
All Florida Statutes cited on these pages are also available on the Florida Senate web site.
Information for Everyone
Sunshine State Standards
The Sunshine State Standards state what your child is expected to know at different grade levels. The standards are developed by the state, cover every academic subject, and are followed by every public school in Florida. Florida Statute 1003.41
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT)
The FCAT is designed to assess how well students have met the Sunshine State Standards. The FCAT is given to student in grades 3 through 10 and includes a test of reading and mathematics. A separate writing test is given in grade 4, 8, 10 and a science test is given in grade 5, 8 and 10. The FCAT is traditionally administered in March, with results returned prior to the end of the school year. Florida Statute 1003.41
Required Instruction
Each district school board provides all courses required for high school graduation and appropriate instruction designed to ensure that students meet the Sunshine State Standards in the following subject areas: reading and other language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, health and physical education, and the arts. Members of the instructional staff of the public schools teach efficiently and faithfully, using the books and materials required, following the prescribed courses of study, and employing approved methods of instruction. Florida Statute 1003.42
Maximum Class Size
A constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters in November 2003 requires class size restriction to be in place by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. School districts are required under state law to gradually implement class-size reduction standards. The maximum number of students assigned to each teacher who is teaching core-curricula courses in public school classrooms for pre-kindergarten through grade 3 may not exceed 18 students. The maximum number of students assigned to each teacher who is teaching core-curricula courses in public school classrooms for grades 4 through 8 may not exceed 22 students. The maximum number of students assigned to each teacher who is teaching core-curricula courses in public school classrooms for grades 9 through 12 may not exceed 25 students. Florida Statute 1003.03
Student Progression
Promotion requirements for pupil progression have changed in recent years as the vision and priorities of Florida’s educational system have evolved. Students’ learning must reflect achievement of the Sunshine State Standards for each grade and subject area. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a key indicator of annual achievement of the Sunshine State Standards and is required of all students in grades three through ten. All students are expected to achieve at high levels in a comprehensive, student-centered educational system. This system recognizes that students possess diverse learning needs. Therefore, the system is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate these needs without compromising the high standards reflected in the Sunshine State Standards. The 2001 Florida Legislature enacted a law that established a new governance structure for education in Florida. Under the guidance of the new State Board of Education, Florida has established a kindergarten through graduate school education system. This seamless system, commonly referred to as a K-20 system, requires public school districts
- to establish policies and procedures for pupil progression from kindergarten through grade 12
- to ensure quality instruction and accountability for student outcomes
- to provide equal access to programs, assessment, resources and instruction that facilitate a smooth and successful progression through the public school years
State education law establishes specific requirements for the promotion of public school students from one grade to the next and requires the provision of instructional support to those students who do not meet promotion standards. Each district school board has the responsibility to annually review and update its student progression plan. Florida Statute 1008.25
Report Cards; End-of-the-Year Status
Report cards are sent home every nine weeks. Schools that differ from this schedule will notify parents when to expect report cards. Report cards are intended to provide information about your child’s progress in school, including grades, behavior and attendance. Grades reflect a teacher’s assessment of your child’s classroom performance, and may include tests, projects, classroom assignments, homework and classroom observations in determining the grades for your child.
A teacher also may indicate on the report card that a conference is needed, some schools arrange for a parent conference to review the report card. Midway through the grading period, many districts send home a progress report so that the student and parents have an idea of how the student is performing. Although parents and students receive numerous reports from the school and teacher, the best information on your child’s progress, work habits, socialization skills, strengths and weaknesses comes from a conference with the teacher.
Students, who demonstrate mastery of the appropriate grade level curriculum by the end of the school year and have met additional school board requirements, if applicable, will be promoted to the next grade. Each student’s progression from one grade to the next must be determined by proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies and science. Parents are notified in writing when it is determined that students are performing below district standards for grade level, and before any decisions are made. Retention decisions are normally made at the end of the school year. Florida Statute 1003.33
Kindergarten Eligibility
To be eligible for kindergarten children must attain the age of 5 years on or before September 1 of the school year. A student that transfers from an out-of-state school and who does not meet regular age requirements for admission to Florida public schools may be admitted if the student meets the age requirements for the public schools from which he or she is transferring, and if the transfer of the student’s academic credit is acceptable under the rules of the local school board. Florida Statute 1003.21
Information for Secondary Students
High School GraduationGeneral Requirements for High School Graduation
Graduation requires successful completion of either a minimum of 24 academic credits in grades 9 through 12 or an International Baccalaureate curriculum. The 24 credits shall be distributed as follows:
- 4 credits in English, with major concentration in composition and literature.
- 3 credits in mathematics, one of these credits must be Algebra I, a series of courses equivalent to Algebra I, or a higher-level mathematics course
- 3 credits in science, two of which must have a laboratory component
- 1 credit in American history
- 1credit in world history, including a comparative study of the history, doctrines, and objectives of all major political systems
- 1/2 credit in economics, including a comparative study of the history, doctrines, and objectives of all major economic systems
- 1/2 credit in American government, including study of the Constitution of the United States; the study of Florida government, including study of the State Constitution, the three branches of state government, and municipal and county government, shall be included as part of the required study of American government
- 1 credit in practical arts career education, or 1 credit in performing fine arts, or 1/2 credit each in practical arts career education and 1/2 credit in performing fine arts
- 1/2 credit in life management skills
- 1 credit in physical education to include assessment, improvement, and maintenance of personal fitness
- 8 1/2 elective credits
District school boards may award a maximum of one-half credit in social studies and one-half elective credit for student completion of non-paid voluntary community or school service work. Students choosing this option must complete a minimum of 75 hours of service in order to earn the one-half credit in either category of instruction.
A district school board may require specific courses and programs of study within the minimum credit requirements for high school graduation and may modify basic courses. Each district school board shall establish standards for graduation from its schools, and these standards must include:
- Earning passing scores on the FCAT
- Completion of all other applicable requirements prescribed by the district school board
- Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required for graduation
To insure understanding of complete graduation requirements, families are encouraged to contact the school district. Florida Statute 1003.43
Accelerated High School Graduation Options
Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, all students scheduled to graduate in 2004 and thereafter may select one of the following three high school graduation options:
1. Completion of the 24 credit requirements for high school graduation. Florida Statute 1003.43
2. Completion of a 3-year standard college preparatory program requiring successful completion of a minimum of 18 academic credits in grades 9 through 12. The 18 credits shall be distributed as follows:
- 4 credits in English, with major concentration in composition and literature
- 3 credits in mathematics at the Algebra I level or higher from the list of courses that qualify for state university admission
- 3 credits in natural science, two of which must have a laboratory component
- 3 credits in social sciences
- 2 credits in the same second language unless the student is a native speaker of or can otherwise demonstrate competency in a language other than English
- 3 credits in electives
3. Completion of a 3-year career preparatory program requiring successful completion of a minimum of 18 academic credits in grades 9 through 12. The 18 credits shall be distributed as follows:
- 4 credits in English, with major concentration in composition and literature
- 3 credits in mathematics, one of which must be Algebra I
- 3 credits in natural science, two of which must have a laboratory component
- 3 credits in social sciences
- 2 credits in the same second language unless the student is a native speaker of or can otherwise demonstrate competency in a language other than English
- 3 credits in electives
Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, each district shall provide each student in grades 6 through 12 and their parents with the 3-year and 4-year high school graduation options and curriculum so that the students and parents may select the postsecondary education or career plan that best fits the student’s needs. The options shall include a timeframe for achieving each graduation option. Selection of one of the graduation options listed is exclusively up to the student and parent. If the student and parent fail to select a graduation option, the student shall be considered to have selected the 24 credit high school graduation requirements.
In order to graduate with a Standard High School Diploma, regardless of graduation program chosen, all students must earn passing scores on the grade 10 FCAT, and achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. Florida Statute1003.429
High School Graduation Requirements for Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Transfer Students
Students who enter a Florida public school at the eleventh or twelfth grade from out of state or from a foreign country shall not be required to spend additional time in a Florida public school in order to meet the high school course requirements if the student has met all requirements of the school district, state, or country from which he or she is transferring. Transferring students who are not proficient in English should receive immediate and intensive instruction in English language acquisition.
However, to receive a standard high school diploma, a transfer student must earn a 2.0 grade point average and pass the grade 10 FCAT. Students who have met all requirements for the standard high school diploma except for passage of the grade 10 FCAT by the end of grade 12 must be provided the following learning opportunities:
- Participation in an accelerated high school equivalency diploma preparation program during the summer.
- Upon receipt of a certificate of completion, be allowed to take the College Placement Test and be admitted to remedial or credit courses at a state community college, as appropriate.
- Participation in an adult general education program for such time as the student requires mastering English, reading, mathematics, or any other subject required for high school graduation. Students attending adult basic, adult secondary, or vocational-preparatory instruction are exempt from any requirement for the payment of tuition and fees, including lab fees. A student attending an adult general education program shall have the opportunity to take the grade 10 FCAT an unlimited number of times in order to receive a standard high school diploma. Florida Statute 1003.433
High School Equivalency Diploma Program
The Florida Department of Education awards high school equivalency diplomas to candidates who meet the performance standards prescribed by the State Board of Education. Each district school board administers the high school equivalency diploma examinations and the subject area examinations to all candidates pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education.
A candidate for a high school equivalency diploma must be at least 18 years of age on the date of the examination. In extraordinary circumstances, specified in district school board rules, a candidate may take the examination after reaching the age of 16.
Each district school board and area community college have developed a plan for the provision of advanced instruction for those students who attain satisfactory performance on the high school equivalency examination or the subject area examinations or who demonstrate through other means a readiness to engage in postsecondary-level academic work. All high school equivalency diplomas issued by the Florida Department of Education shall have equal status with other high school diplomas for all state purposes, including admission to any state university or community college. Florida Statute 1003.435
Important Links
Academic Advisement
Students receive academic advisement from school counselors upon entrance into a Florida public high school. Official transcripts are reviewed upon arrival from previous school and are used for reference during the course selection process. Assessment data is used to help identify a student’s academic strengths and career interests such as statewide assessment tests, PSAT, PLAN, SAT and ACT. Academic advisement is ongoing and students may be advised via individual, small group, and/or classroom guidance. The Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students web site provides students and their families the opportunity to:
- search and investigate Florida public community colleges, public universities, private colleges and public vocational schools
- investigate careers and identify interests
- conduct an online high school academic evaluation
- apply online for admissions and financial aid
- seek additional information for planning the student’s future.
School counselors are available at all middle and high schools to assist students and parents with academic, career and postsecondary education planning. Counselors are able to answer questions related to course schedules, testing, colleges, scholarships and financial aid, vocational programs and career choices. Services such as individual and group counseling are also available through most high school Guidance Departments.
Florida Trend publishes an annual magazine specifically written for Florida students — Florida Trend’s NEXT: Your Future After High School in Florida. In the magazine and on the web site, students will find information they need about job opportunities in Florida’s major industries, scholarships, financial aid and more.
Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students (FACTS.org)
FACTS.org is Florida's official online student advising system. You'll find all the tools you need for monitoring high school progress, learning about higher education opportunities in Florida, deciding career objectives, applying to college online, submitting financial aid applications, choosing the right college major and evaluating progress towards a college degree. FACTS.org is revolutionary in the field of student advising. Connections between institutions and databases give students the resources and power to plan their future at any time, any place.
A great function on FACTS.org for public high school students are the High School Academic Evaluations. The evaluations compare personal student transcripts to requirements for high school graduation, Bright Futures scholarships, and state university admissions. The evaluations show what has been taken compared to what is required, which includes courses, test scores, grades, and other criteria so students and parents can learn exactly where they stand and what is needed in order to achieve educational goals.
Log on to FACTS.org and plan for your future today.
Career and Technical Education
Many school districts offer a wide range of career and technical programs. These programs offer a broad academic foundation, the experience of actually working in a professional working environment, and hands-on learning. Competencies needed in the workplace are introduced into the curriculum by focusing on basic skills, thinking skills, and personal qualities.
If your child chooses a career and technical program, they may receive college credit with the local community college. For additional information, consult the school counselor or career specialist at your child’s school. Florida Statute 1003.491
The Florida Department of Education's Office of Workforce Education provides programs and services to students that lead to success in the workplace and in postsecondary education.
High School Grading System
The grading system and interpretation of letter grades used in public high schools is as follows:
- Grade "A" equals 90 percent through 100 percent, has a grade point average value of 4, and is defined as "outstanding progress."
- Grade "B" equals 80 percent through 89 percent, has a grade point average value of 3, and is defined as "above average progress."
- Grade "C" equals 70 percent through 79 percent, has a grade point average value of 2, and is defined as "average progress."
- Grade "D" equals 60 percent through 69 percent, has a grade point average value of 1, and is defined as "lowest acceptable progress."
- Grade "F" equals zero percent through 59 percent, has a grade point average value of zero, and is defined as "failure."
- Grade "I" equals zero percent, has a grade point average value of zero, and is defined as "incomplete."
For the purposes of class ranking, district school boards may exercise a weighted grading system. Florida Statute 1003.437
Definition of “Credit"
For the purposes of meeting the requirements for high school graduation, one full credit means a minimum of 135 hours of bona fide instruction in a designated course of study that contains student performance standards. In schools that have implemented block scheduling, one full credit means a minimum of 120 hours of bona fide instruction in a designated course of study that contains student performance standards. The hourly requirements for one-half credit are one-half the requirements specified above. Florida Statute 1003.436
Extracurricular Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities, a student must maintain a 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the previous semester or a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the courses required for required for graduation.