ORLANDO, Fla. – A big decision is coming for families at one Central Florida elementary school. Parents at Orange Center Elementary are being asked to vote on whether to keep the school as a traditional public school or convert it into a charter.
Supporters say the change could bring more programs and more time in the classroom, while others are still weighing their options.
Public school or charter school — that’s the decision several Orange Center Elementary parents will soon make. One parent, Autiionna Hogues, says she already knows how she plans to vote.
“My decision is going to be yes because I don’t want to send my kids anywhere else,” Hogues said.
Orange County Public Schools sent ballots to parents this week, asking them to choose whether Orange Center Elementary will remain the same or convert into a charter school. Unlike a School of Hope, if approved, the school would still be tuition-free and operate with a school zone, similar to a traditional public school. OCPS and Lift Orlando would also work together as partners.
Another parent, Unique Brooks, says the proposed changes could help families like hers.
“The extra hour of school — as a working parent — that’s very beneficial for me,” Brooks said. “I’m also looking forward to the summer school programs they’re doing.”
The vote comes just weeks after a charter school six minutes down the road — Legends Academy — permanently closed, displacing more than 200 students due to unsustainable financial challenges. Orange Center Elementary Principal Erin Albert says that situation would not happen here.
“There’s no way for that to happen because there are safeguards in place,” Albert said.
Albert explained that accountability measures would remain in effect even if the school becomes a charter.
“Our board, our advisory committee, and having the partnership with OCPS will hold us accountable,” she said. “There will also be a five-year review of the school’s performance.”
During a Friday night vision board meeting, several parents shared ideas and questions about what the future of the school could look like. Hogues questioned whether students would have access to the same extracurriculars as other public schools.
“Public schools now have their drama, theater, and sports,” she said. “They have different things — so are we going to have that as well?”
Brooks said the plan includes a broader academic focus. “They’re adding arts,” she said. “It’s not going to be just STEM — it’s going to be a STEAM program.”
Voting begins Monday, and the results are expected to be announced Jan. 22.