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Lehigh Acres Charter School Named a National Finalist for Future Forward Schools Prize and Fellowship Program
Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy is a Member School of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS)
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. (March 19, 2026) – Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy, a public charter school located in Lehigh Acres, Fla., and a member school of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS), has been named a national finalist for the Future Forward Schools Prize recognizing middle and high schools helping students explore and prepare for future careers.
Beasley Technical Academy is one of ten national finalists and the only Florida charter school in the running for the new prize and fellowship program, with five winning schools to be announced later this year, when they will share $250,000 in prize funding.
Located at 60 Bell Boulevard North in Lehigh Acres, Beasley Technical Academy is designed as a second-chance school and offers a smaller, supportive environment where students learn at their own pace with a technology-based, flexibly-scheduled program. Students at Beasley Technical Academy choose from college, military or trade pathways that lead to career independence and long-term success.
The Future Forward Schools Prize was created by Building Hope in partnership with Britebound. Building Hope is a national nonprofit that supports the growth and success of innovative schools, while Britebound is a national nonprofit working to change the way young people learn about careers and navigate to postsecondary education and career success.
The national initiative highlights schools creating innovative, scalable models for career exploration and career-connected learning. Winning schools ensure students have access to experiences that help them understand their strengths, interests and potential career pathways. National finalists for the 2026 Future Forward Schools Prize include eight charter schools, one public school and one private school.
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools congratulates Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy for being one of ten finalists for the Future Forward Schools Prize,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. “Their unique mission and meaningful impact on the students they serve makes them a standout among the nation’s and Florida’s public charter schools.”
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.
About Building Hope
Building Hope is a national nonprofit that empowers advancements in education through our work with schools and communities by providing unparalleled facility financing, real estate development, and operational services. We believe a facility should never be the barrier preventing a child from attending a great school. During our 22-year history, Building Hope has supported more than $2 billion in charter school projects. For more information, visit www.buildinghope.org.
About Britebound
Britebound, formerly American Student Assistance (ASA), is a national nonprofit at the forefront of changing the way young people learn about careers and navigate to postsecondary education and career success through access to career readiness information, resources, and experiences for all. Britebound helps middle and high school students to know themselves—their strengths and their interests—and understand their education and career options so that they can make informed decisions. Britebound fulfills its mission by providing free, digital experiences directly to millions of students, and through advocacy, impact investing, research, thought leadership, and philanthropic support for educators, organizations, and others. Britebound fosters a generation of confident, crisis-proof young people who are ready for whatever path comes next after high school. To learn more about Britebound, visit www.britebound.org. |
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Franklin Academy Student Wins Essay Contest Celebrating Black History
Franklin Academy is a Member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS)
DAVIE, Fla. (February 27, 2026) – A seventh grade student at Franklin Academy in Broward County has won a Black History Month essay contest sponsored by the Florida Department of Education. Franklin Academy is a member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS).
The awards were presented Feb. 25 at a reception at the Florida Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee. The awards program is a collaboration of the Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Rohanna Johnson, a seventh grade student at Franklin Academy, was one of six essay contest winners from Florida’s elementary, middle and high schools. The essays were based on the theme, “Celebrating Black History.” Each essay contest winner received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $200 gift card for school supplies.
The Black History Month awards program also honored student art contest winners, as well as educators who won Excellence in Education Awards.
“Florida students once again amazed me with the quality of their art and essay submissions and the educators showed their commitment and dedication to their students,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I am pleased that so many took this opportunity to learn about Black history and send my congratulations to the winners.”
“We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding students and educators whose creativity and dedication bring the stories of Black history to life in meaningful ways,” said CEO of Volunteer Florida, Josie Tamayo. “Their work not only honors the past, but also inspires a spirit of service, leadership and unity that will shape Florida’s future for generations to come.”
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools is a strong supporter of the Florida Department of Education’s program to honor Black History Month,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag. FCPCS encouraged its member schools to be part of the 2026 Black History Month celebration.
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. |
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Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate Black History Month During February, 2026
Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Participate
DAVIE, Fla. (January 30, 2026) – Many of Florida’s public charter schools are expected to celebrate Black History Month during February, 2026. Member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are encouraged to participate in the 2026 celebration, which includes Student and Educator Contests organized by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
This year, student art and essay contests are based on the theme, “Celebrating Black History.”
The Black History Month Art Contest is open to all kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida, including students at Florida’s charter schools. According to the Florida Department of Education, each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on the theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks.
The Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida, including students at Florida’s charter schools. The Florida Department of Education press release notes each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected from Florida elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies.
The Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida, including charter schools. According to the Florida Department of Education, four winners will be selected and will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student. The deadline for entries in all of the contests is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. Many of Florida’s public charter schools have participated in Black History Month during previous years, according to FCPCS President Robert Haag.
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools is a strong supporter of the Florida Department of Education’s program to honor Black History Month, said Haag. FCPCS encourages our member schools to be part of the 2026 Black History Month celebration,” said Haag.
Student and Educator contest entries and nomination forms and guidelines are available at http://floridablackhistory.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. |
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Principal Wesley Locke of Spring Creek Charter School in Paisley, Fla. is Honored with Principal Leadership Award for 2025-2026 by Florida TaxWatch
Spring Creek Charter School is a Member School of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS)
PAISLEY, Fla. (January 29, 2026) – The Principal of Spring Creek Charter School in Paisley, Fla., in northeastern Lake County, has been honored with a Principal Leadership Award from Florida TaxWatch for the 2025-2026 school year. Spring Creek Charter School is a member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS).
Wesley Locke, who is currently serving his tenth year as principal, is one of 15 principals from public schools located throughout Florida to be recognized with a Principal Leadership Award. He is the only Lake County principal honored with a Principal Leadership Award.
According to Florida TaxWatch, the Principal Leadership Awards program, “identifies principals around the state who have had the greatest impact on their students, in parts of the state where educational success can transform a community.” The awards program is Florida’s only data-driven principal recognition initiative. It analyzes student performance data over several consecutive years.
In a statement on the Spring Creek Charter School website, Principal Locke wrote, “Over the last two years the staff and students at Spring Creek have worked tirelessly to improve student achievement and growth. This past year's scores show that we are making significant learning gains and filling in learning gaps created by the COVID pandemic. We are up for the challenges in front of us, and we are striving to make this school year our best ever!”
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools congratulates Principal Wesley Locke of Spring Creek Charter School for receiving a Principal Leadership Award from Florida TaxWatch,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. “Principal Locke exemplifies the strong leadership that has guided Florida’s charter school movement to greatness.”
Florida TaxWatch is a nonpartisan, independent 501(c)(3) organization devoted to public policy research to uncover innovative ideas and policies that can make Florida a national example.
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. |
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Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate National School Choice Week, Jan. 25-31, 2026
Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Participate
DAVIE, Fla. (January 8, 2026) – Many of Florida’s public charter schools will be among the tens of thousands of families, students, schools and organizations to participate in this year’s National School Choice Week, slated for January 26 through January 31, 2026.
National School Choice Week promotes all forms of school choice, including public charter schools, private schools, district schools, magnet schools and home schools. According to the organization’s website, “National School Choice Week recognizes all K-12 options. It is the world’s largest annual celebration of opportunity in education.”
Each year, more than 20,000 schools participate in the celebration of National School Choice Week. They hold a variety of events, including open houses, fairs, rallies, and spirit weeks to promote educational freedom and quality learning environments. Interested potential participants can obtain more information and sign up at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/faq/.
A significant number of Florida’s public charter schools have participated in National School Choice Week in recent years, according to FCPCS President Robert Haag.
“National School Choice Week increases awareness of public charter schools in Florida and boosts understanding of the role of public charter schools in Florida education,” said Haag. “The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools encourages our member schools to be part of National School Choice Week in 2026.”
For more information about National School Choice Week, visit https://schoolchoiceweek.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. |
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