Our History
HOW AND WHY WE OPENED?
During the early 1990’s, the Broward County School District was the fifth largest district in the United States. The Mayor had the vision to find a solution to the severe overcrowding in the Pembroke Pines public schools. Working closely with the City Commission and the City Manager, their solution was to build the Pembroke Pines Charter School System. As a result, the School Board of Broward County was relieved of the burden of absorbing additional students. More importantly, the reduction of the student population from public schools has allowed the students of Pembroke Pines, both public and charter, the ability to be taught in an environment that is more conducive to learning.
OUR CURRENT CHARTER SCHOOL SYSTEM
The 2019-20 charter school system budget is $57.36 million. Our charter school system has 565 employees and approximately 6,034 students in 4 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high school. Presently, the Pembroke Pines Charter School System has a waiting list of 5,961 applicants.
PUBLIC EDUCATION CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND
Florida’s primary source of funding for the capital needs of charter schools is the Public Education Capital Outlay Fund. Over the last 20 years, the total allocation to our system has decreased by 48%. If we were to be funded at the same level as in 2001, our system will be allocated an additional $2.58 million for capital improvements.
WHAT IS A CHARTER SCHOOL?
A charter school is a publicly funded school that, in accordance with an enabling state statute, has been granted a charter exempting it from selected state or local rules and regulations. As part of the contract, charter schools are held strictly accountable for academic and financial results.
OUR CHARTER SCHOOL SYSTEM SUCCESSES
In 2007, our Charter Schools were named as one of the 2007 National Charter Schools of the Year. In 2009, the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. This is the highest award a school can receive. Additionally, based on FSA scores and other factors, our elementary & middle schools have earned an A rating for 17 consecutive years. In 2015, the Pembroke Pines Florida State University Charter Elementary was also named a National Blue Ribbon School. Recently, US News & World Report listed the Academic Village Charter School as one of the nation’s best high schools of 2016-17, earning a silver medal. In 2017, the schools were named a School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education.