Charter schools are public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a “charter” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results. The charter contract between the charter school governing board and the sponsor details the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment and ways to measure success.  The initial length of time for which charter are granted is five years.

The Florida Legislature, in authorizing the creation of public charter schools, established the following guiding principles: high standards of student achievement while increasing parental choice; the alignment of responsibility with accountability; and ensuring parents receive information on reading levels and learning gains of their children. Charter schools are intended to improve student learning; increase learning opportunities with special emphasis on low performing students and reading; and measure learning outcomes. Charter schools may create innovative measurement tools; provide competition to stimulate improvement in traditional schools; expand capacity of the public school system; and mitigate the educational impact created by the development of new residential units.

No.  Since charter schools are public schools, K-12 students attend charter schools tuition FREE. 

For more general information about charter schools, including who is eligible to attend, accountability, and funding, please click on this link:  Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.  Charter schools are graded in the same manner as traditional public schools.  As a first-year school, we have not yet received a school grade.

Yes. Somerset Academy West Florida is a member of the Somerset Academy, Inc. network of public charter schools accredited by Cognia®.  In 2009, Somerset Academy became the first network of public charter schools in the nation to earn Corporate District accreditation from Cognia® for its proven commitment to quality and educational excellence. Currently, Somerset Academy, Inc. is a district of schools accredited by the Cognia® Global Accreditation Commission.  Earning accreditation from the Cognia® Global Accreditation Commission means that the school system meets Cognia® Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.  Schools and district systems in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term. In 2025, Cognia named Somerset Academy, Inc. a global Cognia System of Distinction. Out of thousands of eligible institutions globally, Somerset was one of only 35 schools and systems selected worldwide to receive this prestigious honor for excellence in education and continuous improvement.

Somerset Academy West Florida serves grades Kindergarten – 5^th grade.  We will ultimately grow into a K-12 campus in a state-of-the-art educational facility

Yes.  Our teachers and administrators will meet the Florida state requirements for certification.

Somerset was among the first charter schools to open in South Florida in 1997. It was founded by parents and community members who wanted a school with a strong neighborhood feel, supported by an open-door policy and high parent involvement. Their vision was to personalize the academic program for each student and to deliver the curriculum in creative, hands-on, and innovative ways. Today, Somerset Academy has over 75 schools and 42,000 students in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.  Visit SOMERSET ACADEMY INC. Home Page for more information about our schools.

Somerset has a strong academic focus and believes that every child can and will learn.  We individualize our program to meet each child’s level and learning needs regardless of age. Our educational philosophy is based on the principles listed below:

Somerset Academy believes that a school should be a place where students love to learn, teachers love to teach, and parents are a key part of the educational process.

• We believe that students work “up” to standards that are set for them. Therefore, we set high expectations for all our students.
• We believe in a “teaching by doing” approach to instruction and incorporate “hands on” activities in all of our instruction.
• We believe that all students can and will learn.
• We believe that each learner is unique; therefore, we structure our academic program to meet the needs of each individual learner. We also differentiate instruction to allow learners to work at their own pace and engage in activities that meet their unique learning styles.
• We implement a program that will not only focus on a well-rounded educational program so that our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
• We make learning relevant and meaningful, and we involve our students in activities that connect learning to the “real world” both locally and globally.
• We believe learning should be fun. We want our students to be excited to come to school each day.
• We believe in data-driven instruction. By conducting ongoing progress monitoring, we can ensure each child is growing and achieving at grade level and beyond.
• We believe in preparing students for the future through engaging, 21st-century learning experiences. Our classrooms are thoughtfully equipped with modern technology that enhances collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
• We use research-based materials and instructional best practices to achieve success. We believe in preparing students to be lifelong learning and contributors to their community and beyond.

We encourage you to schedule some time to speak to our staff and get to know the Somerset team.  We are always happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

Yes.  Both staff and students are required to wear uniforms.  Uniforms can be purchased at All Uniform Wear through their website. Uniform specifications and a link to the AUW specific site for our school will be available on our school website soon.

Somerset Academy West Florida uses state-adopted, research-based instructional materials aligned to Florida’s academic standards. Our academic program is designed to provide a strong, structured, and standards-based curriculum that supports students at different academic levels and needs. Somerset’s Pupil Progression Plan supports grade-level proficiency, academic growth, and promotion requirements.  As instructional materials may change from year to year, we encourage you to contact our school team for the latest information on the programs used during the current school year.

Each year, different extracurricular programs are offered based on student interest and community partnerships. These programs can include things such as sports, tutoring, and special interest clubs.  These are driven by student and parent interest.  Information on programs offered will be shared with our school families as it becomes available.

Yes. Somerset Academy West Florida offers state-of-the-art technology to enhance each child’s learning experience and add collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students will have access to digital tools such as mobile computer labs for 1:1 instruction, interactive whiteboards, document imaging cameras, research-based computer software, and programs for instructional support and progress monitoring. 

Yes.  Before and after school care will be offered based on demand.

• Before Care is from 7:00 am – 8:00 am.
• Afterschool Care is from 2:15 pm – 6:00 pm.

We will continue to update our website with information about these programs as the needs of our school families are identified.

Most of our parents participate in a carpool system to get their children to and from school.  Students may also walk or ride their bikes to school.  Buses are available in certain situations, and some parents coordinate private bus transportation and carpools, as well.  Please discuss this with school administration if you have specific questions.