In this climate of frustration, Florida's public school system has often come under significant criticism, with concerns ranging from over-testing to low teacher pay to book bans to underfunded programs. Alternative schools see an opportunity to thrive.
Long seen as one-size-fits-all, America's public education system is now being challenged by researchers who argue that its cookie-cutter approach to education overlooks the diverse elements that make up each child's potential. are faced with challenges due to different educational philosophies.
By analyzing Google's search volume relative to population size, new research from Witherow Brook reveals the most popular options for traditional schooling across the United States. In Florida, more parents are choosing charter schools, followed by Montessori schools and then Waldorf schools, according to the data. Waldorf programs are among the top three alternative education options.
Florida supports charter schools
Charter schools are rapidly gaining popularity across the Sunshine State. According to the study, charter schools are the preferred alternative education option in Florida, with 40.3 charter school searches per 1,000 Floridians.
Whether it's because parents are dissatisfied with traditional schools or seeking specialized education options, the Florida Charter School Alliance reports that 397,000 students are enrolled in the state's approximately 726 public charter schools. students, representing 14% of Florida's total K-12 public school population.
To put this into perspective, if charter schools were considered a single school district, they would rank as the second largest school district in Florida.
Charter schools are public schools that are part of a state's public education program. Many took a thematic approach, focusing on art, science, and technology. Tuition is free and they are exempt from many regulations that apply to traditional public schools, but they often have higher accountability standards.
One example is Rising Leaders Academy, a K-12 public charter school in Panama City, Florida. The emphasis here is on entrepreneurship.
By reimagining the school as a microcosm of a student-governed society, it encompasses all the aspects characteristic of an adult community, complete with an economic infrastructure featuring its own currency, banks, and businesses. Students earn income through various tasks and use that income to purchase goods and services provided by their peers. As students take on greater responsibility, teachers transition to facilitators and advisors, closely reflecting real-world scenarios, with collaborative support from community organizations.
Montessori gains momentum in the Sunshine State
In this study, Montessori is the second most popular education option in Florida. There were an average of 38.5 searches for Montessori schools and methods per 1,000 residents in the state.
Montessori education, pioneered by Maria Montessori, emphasizes independent learning and collaborative play in carefully prepared environments to foster independence and exploration.
In Florida, the only publicly funded, tuition-free Montessori school is Mi Escuela Montessori, a bilingual (Spanish and English) public charter Montessori school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Lakeland, Florida. It falls into the category of charter schools like Montessori.
The school aims to develop bilingualism and bilingual cultural competency in all students, including those who speak only Spanish, some Spanish, or no Spanish at all. We offer curriculum delivered in both English and Spanish.
There are also private Montessori programs, and as of the 2024 school year, there are currently 166 Montessori private schools in Florida serving 15,869 students, according to Private School Review.
For example, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic girls' Montessori school for kindergarten through 12th grade in Florida, with annual tuition ranging from $32,980 to $46,800.
waldorf & steiner
According to the study, Steiner & Steiner schools and teaching methods are the third most searched education option in Florida, with an average of 34.0 searches per 1,000 residents.
Also known as Waldorf education, it was founded by Rudolf Steiner and emphasizes holistic development, creativity, and the arts alongside academics.
For the 2024 school year, there are only three private schools in Florida that are affiliated with the North American Waldorf School Association, with approximately 320 students enrolled.
Waldorf School of Palm Beach's annual tuition ranges from $17,120 to $17,800 and offers programs for students from preschool through eighth grade. Nature plays an important role in our curriculum and our daily lessons incorporate the philosophy that 'Education is an Art'.
Alternative education nationwide
The study found that Montessori is the most sought-after philosophy in the United States, with 27 states having the most searches per capita. Homeschooling and charter schools follow, with 10 states favoring homeschooling and nine states leaning toward charter schools.
Although Waldorf teaching methods have gained some popularity around the world, only four states in the United States have Waldorf education as the most searched educational practice.
