Opportunity Scholarship Program

The Opportunity Scholarship Program was created as a Florida school choice option in 1999. As originally implemented, the program offered students who attended or who were assigned to attend failing public schools the option to choose a higher performing public school or a participating private school.

On January 5, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling declaring the private school option of the Opportunity Scholarship Program unconstitutional. Students assigned to a failing school are no longer offered the opportunity to transfer and enroll in a participating private school. The option to attend a higher performing public school remains in effect.

OSP Eligibility Requirements

A public school student's parents or guardians may request and receive from the state an Opportunity Scholarship for the student to enroll in and attend a higher performing public school if:

• By assigned school attendance area or by special assignment, a student spent the prior school year in attendance at a public school that has been designated as earning a grade "F" or three consecutive "Ds" based on the statewide assessments conducted pursuant to Section. 1008.22, Florida Statutes.
• The student has been in attendance elsewhere in the public school system and has been assigned to such school for the next school year; or
• The student has been assigned to such a school for the next school year.

Pinellas County Schools Eligible for Opportunity Scholarships:

• Tyrone Middle School