What does it take to start a church school in Florida?
Florida does not license private K-12 schools, so a church can open one by meeting registration, safety and staffing rules rather than waiting for a permit. Pick a model, register with the state, become a scholarship school and price against the award.
Which model fits a Duval congregation: five-day, hybrid or microschool?
Congregations in Duval tend to choose among three shapes: a full five-day school, a hybrid meeting two or three days, or a microschool of roughly twelve to forty students. A hybrid fits in rooms the church already has and can charge well under the award.
How does a Jacksonville church register a private school with the state?
Begin with the annual Florida DOE private school survey, which issues the school number you see on each profile here. After that, keep attendance and immunization files, satisfy health and fire rules and run Level 2 background screening on staff. Florida does not license private K-12 schools, accredit them or prescribe their curriculum; preschools and child care are licensed by DCF.
How does a new Duval school become a scholarship school?
Register with Step Up For Students (and AAA if you choose), submit the compliance documents and enroll students in EMA by each quarterly date. Schools in their first years may have to post a surety bond or letter of credit, and participating schools give an annual norm-referenced test.
How should a new Jacksonville church school price tuition against the award?
The 2026-27 Duval figures are $8,409 (K-3), $7,821 (4-8) and $7,629 (9-12). Many church schools price near them and then add congregation and sibling discounts.
How do families find a new school in Duval?
Parents search for schools that take Step Up funding, and a verified listing puts a new school in front of them when they are comparing money as well as classrooms. Talk to us before you open so the listing is ready on day one.
| Question | Private K-12 school | Preschool or child care |
|---|---|---|
| Who regulates it? | Annual registration survey with the Florida DOE | Licensing by DCF |
| Teacher licensure | Not required by the state | Staff credential rules apply |
| Funding | Private School Scholarship, PEP or FES-UA | VPK and School Readiness |