Jacksonville, Florida, January 9, 2026
The Duval County School Board has rejected requests from Mater Academy to open charter schools at two existing public school facilities. Concerns were raised over the feasibility of co-locating charter schools at the selected sites, which include Merrill Road Elementary and Fort Caroline Middle School. The decision highlights ongoing debates about the ‘Schools of Hope’ initiative and its impact on local education. Mater Academy may appeal the decision or seek alternative locations within the district.
Jacksonville, Florida
Duval County School Board Rejects ‘Schools of Hope’ Requests from Mater Academy for Two DCPS Schools
On January 8, 2026, the Duval County School Board declined requests from Miami-based Mater Academy to establish charter schools within two existing Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) facilities. The board’s decision was based on concerns regarding the feasibility and appropriateness of co-locating charter schools in these specific locations.
Details of the Rejected Requests
Mater Academy had proposed opening charter schools at Merrill Road Elementary and Fort Caroline Middle School. However, DCPS officials determined that co-location was “materially impracticable” for several reasons:
- Merrill Road Elementary: The school is scheduled to consolidate with Don Brewer Elementary starting in the 2026-27 school year, reducing available space for additional students.
- Fort Caroline Middle School: The facility is dedicated to a specialized arts program, and its infrastructure is tailored to support this unique curriculum, making it unsuitable for co-location with a charter school.
Background on ‘Schools of Hope’ Program
The ‘Schools of Hope’ initiative, established by the Florida Legislature, allows state-approved charter operators to co-locate within underutilized or vacant public school facilities. This program aims to provide additional educational options in areas with persistently low-performing schools. However, the implementation of this program has raised concerns among traditional public school advocates, particularly regarding the potential impact on existing resources and educational quality.
Mater Academy’s Expansion Plans
In October 2025, Mater Academy submitted letters to DCPS expressing interest in operating charter schools within 25 existing public school facilities. The company identified these schools as “underused/vacant/surplus” and sought to utilize available spaces to expand its educational offerings. Despite the rejections in Duval County, Mater Academy has pursued similar initiatives in other Florida districts, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, where it has received letters of intent from the charter operator.
Implications for Duval County Public Schools
The Duval County School Board’s decision reflects ongoing debates over the ‘Schools of Hope’ program and its impact on local education systems. While the initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities, it also presents challenges related to resource allocation, facility utilization, and the preservation of specialized programs within existing schools. The board’s actions underscore the importance of balancing innovation with the needs and priorities of the community.
Next Steps
Following the rejections, Mater Academy has the option to appeal the decision or seek alternative locations within the district. The Duval County School Board has indicated its commitment to collaborating with charter operators to explore viable opportunities that align with the district’s educational goals and community interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ‘Schools of Hope’ program?
The ‘Schools of Hope’ initiative, established by the Florida Legislature, allows state-approved charter operators to co-locate within underutilized or vacant public school facilities. This program aims to provide additional educational options in areas with persistently low-performing schools.
Why did the Duval County School Board reject Mater Academy’s requests?
The board determined that co-location was “materially impracticable” for Merrill Road Elementary due to its scheduled consolidation with Don Brewer Elementary, and for Fort Caroline Middle School because the facility is dedicated to a specialized arts program with infrastructure tailored to support this curriculum.
What are Mater Academy’s expansion plans?
In October 2025, Mater Academy submitted letters to DCPS expressing interest in operating charter schools within 25 existing public school facilities, identifying them as “underused/vacant/surplus” and seeking to utilize available spaces to expand its educational offerings.
What are the implications of this decision for Duval County Public Schools?
The decision reflects ongoing debates over the ‘Schools of Hope’ program and its impact on local education systems, highlighting challenges related to resource allocation, facility utilization, and the preservation of specialized programs within existing schools.
What are the next steps following the rejections?
Mater Academy has the option to appeal the decision or seek alternative locations within the district. The Duval County School Board has indicated its commitment to collaborating with charter operators to explore viable opportunities that align with the district’s educational goals and community interests.
Key Features of the ‘Schools of Hope’ Program and Duval County’s Response
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | ‘Schools of Hope’ |
| Initiative | Allows state-approved charter operators to co-locate within underutilized or vacant public school facilities |
| Mater Academy’s Proposal | Requested to establish charter schools at Merrill Road Elementary and Fort Caroline Middle School |
| Duval County School Board’s Decision | Rejected the requests due to impracticality and facility specialization |
| Implications | Highlights debates over the program’s impact on local education systems and resource allocation |
| Next Steps | Mater Academy may appeal or seek alternative locations; board committed to exploring viable opportunities |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
