Moving to Florida – the system of education in Florida

Education is a major concern for those moving to Florida with children. Moving to the US may not have the same effect on your child because of the shared language but that is not to say the system of education in Florida is not different to the UK. For a start, the longer summer holidays mean you will have to put up with the kids running around your property in Florida for months on end!

Compulsory education in Florida

If you are buying property in Florida you should be aware that in the state, children commence kindergarten at the age of five. This is similar to a nursery school in the UK although if you are moving to Florida you must remember that attendance at kindergarten is compulsory.

After the “K class”, education in Florida moves onto elementary school where pupils will stay until the age of 11 when they attend middle school. Pupils will stay there for a few years before beginning high school.

Education in Florida is compulsory until the age of 16 but most pupils stay on until graduation at the end of 12th grade. Your child obtaining a high school diploma is vital if they are hoping for a career after moving to Florida.

State education in Florida

As you would expect in such a large and diverse state, the quality of state education in Florida varies considerably. Each of Florida’s 67 counties is responsible for a school district and information about education in these areas can be obtained from the Florida Department of Education

The best state schools in Florida are excellent, with sporting, scientific and IT facilities without parallel. It is worth doing some research about Florida schools before moving to Florida. Many parents buy property in Florida in a particular area so their children can attend the best schools.

Private education in Florida

Often, those who buy property in Florida opt to send their children to private school after moving to Florida. Children will be allocated more teaching time at private schools but the school fees may prove very expensive. Sending your children to private schools may increase their feelings of isolation and after moving to Florida, particularly if they are attending a boarding school.

If you have bought property in Florida and are keen to sign up your children for fee-paying education, be aware that many private schools are connected to churches or the military.

Further and higher education in Florida

US colleges and universities are among the best in the world and a higher proportion of children go onto study in America than in almost anywhere else in the world. There are dozens of colleges and universities offering further and higher education in Florida.

The education of your child is obviously of paramount concern to you when buying property in Florida. The standard of education is high and the younger your child is, the better they are likely to adapt to moving to Florida and attending a new school.