Orlando is a large city with 164 public schools to serve students. Of these, 27 are high schools, 40 are middle schools and 97 are elementary schools. Of the 97 elementary schools, there are 87 that have preschool programs. The top five Orlando schools -- as determined by GreatSchools.com -- are Avalon Elementary School, Discovery Middle School, Stone Lakes Elementary School, Sunrise Elementary School and West Creek Elementary School.
Orlando is part of Orange County, so all public schools belong to the Orange County Public School system. The Orange County School Board sets policy for the entire school system and is made up of eight elected individuals and one appointed position. The chairman of the school board is elected by the entire county while the other board members are elected by residents in the district they represent. The board appoints a superintendent to direct the school system under the guidance of the school board.
Some Orlando public schools have magnet programs in place for students. These programs are more challenging academically and allow children to study in the specific areas they are interested in. They can develop talents and gain knowledge that will help them acquire technological and professional skills to support their career goals. Application forms and details about the program can be obtained from the individual schools.
Working parents who are in need of before or after school care can find Extended Day Enrichment programs operated by the Orange County Public School system in Orlando elementary schools. These programs run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on days that school is in session and provide supervision for students from kindergarten through fifth grade for a fixed, per-student weekly fee. Students are given time for homework, free play, crafts, games and other creative activities. There is an annual registration fee of $10, with a cost of $15 for mornings, $30 for afternoons, $40 for both and $80 for full days in the summer. Financial aid is available through a school district scholarship program.
Florida students and their parents also have the option to choose virtual education. This stems from the state's Open Enrollment Policy, which states that if a student is at a low-performing school, his or her parent has the right to move the student to a higher performing school through something an Opportunity Scholarship. The Florida Virtual School offers an alternative that teaches students in kindergarten through high school via a computer. Parents can also choose to have their children take additional part-time classes through the Florida Virtual School to supplement their traditional education. The school serves about 50 students.