Background

In 2002, Florida citizens approved an amendment to the Florida Constitution that set limits on the number of students in core classes (Math, English, Science, Social Studies, etc.) in the state's public schools.

Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the maximum number of students in each core class would be:

• 18 students in prekindergarten through grade 3;
• 22 students in grades 4 through 8; and
• 25 students in grades 9 through 12.

In 2003, the Florida Legislature enacted Section 1003.03 – Maximum class size, Florida Statutes, to implement the Class Size Amendment.

In 2013, the Florida Legislature amended Section 1002.31 – Controlled open enrollment; Public school parental choice, Florida Statutes, which states in part: 

(5) For a school or program that is a public school of choice under this section, the calculation for compliance with maximum class size pursuant to s. 1003.03(4) is the average number of students at the school level.

All public schools within the School District of Osceola County are designated as public schools of choice. 

Therefore, per Section 1002.31, Florida Statutes, the School District may calculate class size using the average number of students at the school level for each grade group (e.g., PK-3, 4-8, 9-12).