The demand for charter schools continues to grow in Florida, with more and more families choosing this option for their children. To meet this increasing need and further advance educational outcomes, the Charter Support Unit (CSU), established in 2012, has merged with the Florida Charter Institute (FCI). This integration expands available resources and strengthens support for the charter school community statewide. Under the FCI umbrella, CSU will be known as FCI Support.

Established by Florida Statute in 2022 and housed at Miami Dade College, FCI serves as Florida’s leading hub for innovation in education focused on building on the success of charter schools and helping families access exceptional learning opportunities. By collaborating closely with the Florida Department of Education and local and national charter organizations, FCI sets best practices and provides essential services to schools, authorizers and those looking to become authorizers.

The merger of CSU and FCI combines our experience and expertise, enabling us to serve charter schools more effectively. You can expect continued support through the services you’ve relied on, now with broader offerings and additional resources from our specialized divisions.

Key Services Provided by FCI:

• Support: We provide comprehensive support through FCI Support, including technical assistance, professional development, and a menu of services for school operations. From policy development and financial guidance to board training and launching new charter schools, we’re here to help every step of the way.
• Educate: Our “Teaching, Learning, and Leadership” division provides resources, professional learning and on-the-ground support for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders.
• Authorize: FCI plays a crucial role in facilitating high-quality educational options through its authorizing practices, ensuring charter schools meet rigorous standards and offer an outstanding education.
• Research: Our research division explores and promotes best practices in all aspects of charter life: authorizing and renewal, teaching and leading, and operational support.

This exciting merger strengthens our ability to elevate educational standards in charter schools and drive student academic achievement. For more information about Florida Charter Institute, please visit flcharterinstitute.org.