SOUTHPORT, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida Virtual School (FLVS) will accept 20,000 Puerto Rican students who were impacted by Hurricane Maria to ensure they are able to continue their education. Whether students are still in Puerto Rico or in Florida, they can take advantage of this program.

Governor Scott said, “Families in Puerto Rico have experienced extreme devastation of their homes and communities due to Hurricane Maria. As they work to rebuild their lives, these families should not have to worry about their children falling behind in school. In Florida, our schools offer a world-class education, and I am glad that Florida Virtual School has stepped up to help these families as they rebuild their lives. I encourage Puerto Rican families to take advantage of this opportunity and the State of Florida will continue to do all we can to help them during this challenging time.”

Displaced Puerto Rican families who are interested in signing up for Florida Virtual School should contact Liz Chico at (863) 606-8033.

Additionally, all Florida school districts are prepared to accept displaced K-12 students in local schools, and a number of districts have already begun enrolling displaced students. Families who would like to enroll a student in a local elementary, middle or high school should contact the school district in which they are located. Contact information for each district is posted here.