Florida Alliance for Choices in Education (F.A.C.E.) was formed in 2003 to be an organization that represents the interests of private schools serving children on Florida’s choice programs, primarily the Step Up For Students/Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) Scholarship Program administered through Florida P.R.I.D.E. and Children First Florida. The ultimate goal is to have an organization that can be a recognized and authoritative advocate driven by choice schools.

In its first year, F.A.C.E. held regional meetings in conjunction with the respective Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFO’s) throughout the state. F.A.C.E. continues to work with the Florida Association of Scholarship Funding Organizations (FLA-SFO), of which Florida P.R.I.D.E. and Children First Florida are members.

The scholarship program saves taxpayers money, builds a strong workforce and helps empower Florida’s low-income families including many single parents to choose the best educational options for their children through positive, tailored learning environments. F.A.C.E. members are the strength to defend the program, ensure that the benefits and rights of all “vested parties” are protected and to make certain of the viability and eventually expansion of the scholarship program. A major initiative of F.A.C.E. in its first year was to find and train “Educational Coordinators” (ECs) now known as "Spartans" at partner schools. Spartans are to be the point people in organizing efforts to support schools choice.

There truly is “Power of the People”. The mobilization of educators, parents and community leaders is how the bill was passed into law 2001 that is now known as Step Up For Students/Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) Scholarship Program, which is helping over 17,000 children statewide. We are presently expanding the F.A.C.E. website to offer additional information on other choice programs as we collaborate with the McKay Coalition, Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options (Hispanic CREO) and others to expand its outreach and utilization.

One size does not fit all and to educate an eclectic group of Florida’s students, parents/guardians must have all the educational options available to them. It is a combination and compliment of programs that works best for helping Florida’s lower income children not an either or (public/private etc.). F.A.C.E. will continue working with all school choice entities and coalition members to maximize the impact not just the Step Up For Students/Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship program but for the educational future of all Florida’s children.