South Florida is at the heart of a transformative shift in education, where parents, educators, and students are leading an educational renaissance. With universal school choice policies, groundbreaking microschools, and a robust network of innovative programs, the region has become a national example of how freedom and flexibility in education can empower families and inspire success.
“It’s the most beautiful tapestry of people I have ever seen in my life,” says Shiren Rattigan, co-founder of the Innovative Educators Network (InEd) and a key advocate of school choice. Rattigan, who coined the term "educational renaissance," believes South Florida is a model of what happens when families are given the freedom to choose their child’s educational path. “The future is bright,” she often says, reflecting her optimism for what lies ahead.
A Thriving Ecosystem of Innovation
The Innovative Educators Network (InEd) plays a pivotal role in fostering South Florida’s vibrant education ecosystem. Co-founded by Rattigan and Toni Frallicciardi, InEd provides grassroots support to entrepreneurial parents and teachers who are reimagining education.
Through a network of over 120 private microschools and out-of-system educational models, InEd serves an estimated 8,000 students across Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. These programs prioritize small class sizes, personalized learning, and innovative teaching methods, creating an ecosystem where every student can thrive.
“InEd is about more than supporting educational entrepreneurs,” says Siren Rattigan, founder of Colossal Academy and co-founder of the Innovative Educators Network (InEd). “It’s about creating a thriving, sustainable ecosystem that reflects the diversity and creativity of South Florida families.”
From Beaches to Maker-Spaces: A Geography of Genius
South Florida’s transformation from a region known for beaches and nightlife into a laboratory for educational innovation is one of the most compelling stories in modern education. As Ron Matus, Director of Research at Step Up for Students, highlights in his recent report:
“In Florida, the steady expansion of school choice spurred a net gain of 854 new private schools and charter schools over the past decade alone. With the cap on PEP scholarships increasing to 60,000 this year, tens of thousands more students will gain access to personalized education options.”
This growth is not limited to traditional schools. Repurposed strip malls, co-working spaces, and maker-spaces are becoming incubators for microschools and learning pods, blending technology with project-based learning to meet the needs of today’s students.
Collaboration: The Secret to Success
South Florida’s educational landscape thrives on its unique spirit of collaboration. InEd exemplifies a “coopetition” model, where school founders work together to solve challenges, share resources, and drive innovation.
When Rattigan faced complex fire code requirements for her school, Colossal Academy, she sought advice from other InEd members. Similarly, programs like Surf Skate Science, Project Flourish, and Saltwater Studies provide enrichment opportunities shared by multiple schools, enhancing the entire ecosystem’s vibrancy and reach.
This collaboration has created a “genius cluster” effect, as described by Tobin Slaven, founder of Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale. “Every new success attracts more talent, resources, and ideas,” Slaven explains. This dynamic mirrors Eric Weiner’s concept of the “Geography of Genius”, which shows how the right environment can cultivate transformative change.
A Model for the Future
South Florida’s educational renaissance is reshaping assumptions about where innovation can thrive. As school systems across the nation grapple with outdated models and dwindling engagement, South Florida offers a powerful blueprint for reimagining education in a post-pandemic world.
“Critics might call it a fad,” Slaven observes, “but as I stand in the bustling maker-space of our Acton Academy here in Fort Lauderdale, watching young entrepreneurs pitch product ideas for our Children’s Business Fair, I’m convinced: This is the future of education. And it’s not just changing South Florida—it’s poised to reshape learning around the globe.”
Sometimes, as Slaven aptly notes, “the most profound changes come from the places we least expect.” South Florida is proving to be one of those places, where an educational renaissance is not just thriving but leading the way into a brighter future. (Read Tobin's article here.)
A Culture of Empowerment and Growth
Florida’s universal school choice legislation (HB 1), enacted in July 2023, enables all K-12 students to access around $8,000 annually for approved education expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling resources, and tutoring. The impact of this policy has been extraordinary. Families across Florida, especially in South Florida, have been able to transition seamlessly to more personalized education options that reflect their values, learning styles, and aspirations.
The Step Up for Students program is one of the key drivers behind this movement, offering Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that empower families to design unique educational experiences. With support from organizations like HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association), FPEA (Florida Parent Educators Association), and the Home Education Foundation, parents can easily navigate the transition to homeschooling, microschools, or hybrid models.
Tobin shares, "The public school system (in Florida) has seen a staggering decrease of 50,000 students, with families increasingly opting for homeschooling, charter schools, private institutions, and microschools."
Florida has witnessed remarkable growth in non-traditional education, with over 160,000 students now participating in homeschooling or programs like the Personalized Education Program (PEP). Families are increasingly drawn to a la carte education models that combine flexibility with high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities.
The chart below illustrates the dramatic rise in non-traditional schooling over the years, driven by a mix of necessity and inspiration. Florida familieS now have access to diverse educational resources tailored to their child’s needs, making South Florida a beacon of what’s possible through school choice.
The Many Faces of Success
South Florida’s educational renaissance isn’t just about providing choices—it’s about cultivating future leaders who thrive in their chosen fields.
Kaya, a 26 year old young women whose parents chose a non-traditional route and is now pursuing her PsyD, channeling her passion for psychology into helping others.
Zion, a homeschool student who participated in the ACE mentoring program, dual-erolled in a local tech college, graduated in architecture, and now works at a prestigious Delray Beach firm, bringing creativity and innovation to his projects.
Ashley, who credits her hands-on education for her ability to thrive in the fashion industry, now works in the Louis Vuitton conglomerate.
“Through programs like Surf Skate Science, I discovered how to take charge of my own learning, manage my time, and balance creativity with structure,” says Ashley. “These experiences not only made my transition to college seamless but also shaped my confidence to succeed in the fashion industry.”
A Renaissance of Educational Opportunities
South Florida offers a diverse array of educational models to meet the needs of every student. Here are a few South Florida examples:
Microschools
Colossal Academy: A future-forward micro-school for 6th–10th graders, equipping students with entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills.
Tapestry Academy: Integrating project-based learning, technology, and nature-based experiences.
Casa Ranch Montessori: Supporting homeschoolers through the Montessori method, fostering self-paced learning and enrichment.
Acton Academies: Combining Montessori principles with entrepreneurial and project-based learning.
Compass Outreach and Education Center: Empowering kids through entrepreneurship and education while strengthening family ties.
Learning Centers
The H.U.B.: Offering homeschoolers core academic courses, electives, tutoring, and social opportunities.
South Florida Homeschool Resources Center: Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties with enrichment and academic programs.
Innovative Educational Programs
Surf Skate Science: A STEAM-based program exposing students to architecture, engineering, civic advocacy, marine science, and more through program partnerships like the Blue Ocean Scholars, UM's Females in Shark Science, ACE Mentoring Program and Skate 4 Concrete provide students with real-world experience in marine science, architecture and construction.
Saltwater Studies: Immersing students in marine biology thrugh hands-on labs at local beaches.
Eye of a Scientist: Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking in biology, physics, and environmental science.
Project Flourish: Offers classes, gatherings, and a thoughtfully curated collection of provisions with an emphasis on nature, wellness, & sustainability.
Robotics, Coding and Cybersecurity Programs: Preparing students for careers in cutting-edge industries.
These are just a few programs that truly demonstrate that there is truly something for every student—whether they aspire to become entrepreneurs, pursue STEM careers, or shine in the arts.
For a complete South Florida directory head to http://www.microschoolflorida.com/
South Florida: A Model for the Future
Educational researchers and policymakers should look to South Florida as a case study in successful school choice. As noted in a recent article in The 74 by Ron Matus, South Florida is a national example of how to build an “a la carte” education system that empowers families and delivers results.
By leveraging flexible funding, local resources, and a culture of innovation, the region is crafting an educational model that prioritizes student growth over bureaucratic limitations.
“For parents who feel stuck in a system that isn’t meeting their child’s needs, South Florida offers hope,” says Toni Frallicciardi, a homeschool mom and co-founder of Surf Skate Science and the Innovative Educators Network (InEd). “It’s a place where children can rediscover their love of learning, pursue their passions, and prepare for a future full of opportunity..”
Scholars Weigh In
Experts in education and school choice echo the significance of South Florida’s approach.
Educational researcher Dr. Patrick Wolf, who studies school choice, emphasizes the impact on students’ futures: “Florida is demonstrating that flexible, family-centered education leads to better outcomes—not just academically, but in preparing students for life and careers. South Florida is a prime example of innovation at work.”
Kerry McDonald, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, highlights the significance of this movement and calls this movement a “renaissance in learning.”
“Parents are no longer satisfied with a one-size-fits-all model. South Florida’s success shows what’s possible when we reimagine education as a dynamic, customizable experience.”
Rattigan emphasizes the broader impact of school choice:
“With school choice, I really think that families are going to find their community and they are going to find a model that works for them, aligned with their values. For me, that’s being forward-thinking and entrepreneurial. And for others, it could be Christ-centered.”
A Call to Action
South Florida stands as a shining example of how educational freedom can transform communities and futures. The region is not only empowering families but also inspiring scholars and policymakers to rethink education.
For parents seeking a better path for their children or researchers studying the impact of school choice, South Florida offers a vibrant, proven model of success. Together, educators, families, and innovators are building a future where every student has the tools to thrive.
The future is truly bright and South Florida is leading the way.
Watch the trailer for the upcoming documentary film about Innovative Education in South Florida, From the Ground Up to get a deep dive into the movement.
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