Florida at a glance
- Kindergarten: Age 5 on or prior to September 1.
- Compulsory school age: 6 to 16.
- Required instructional time: 180 days; K-3: 720 h; 4-12: 900 h hours.
- Statewide grading scale: yes — grades 6-12, public schools.
- Remote learning instead of snow days: no statewide rule identified.
Kindergarten entry age
In Florida, a child can typically start kindergarten if they are Age 5 on or prior to September 1. A child born just after the cutoff usually starts a year later — which is why two children born weeks apart can be a full grade apart.
Use the What Grade Am I In? calculator to turn a birthday into a grade level, or compare all states in our kindergarten cutoff table. Source: Education Commission of the States.
School year and attendance
| Rule | Florida | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory school age | 6–16 | ECS |
| Minimum instructional days | 180 | ECS (2023) |
| Minimum instructional hours | K-3: 720 h; 4-12: 900 h | ECS (2023) |
Instructional-time rules decide how many missed days must be made up — the reason a winter with several snow days can push the last day of school later. Count down to yours with the Days Until Summer tool.
Grading scale
Florida sets a statewide scale that applies to grades 6-12, public schools.
| Letter | Percent range |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100 |
| B | 80–89 |
| C | 70–79 |
| D | 60–69 |
| F | 0–59 |
s.1003.437 F.S. (2025 text). Also defines I (incomplete) = 0 points. District boards may use weighted grading for class rank. A 2026 amendment directs the State Board to set a statewide uniform weighted system for honors/acceleration courses (reported via search; not opened). Source. See the Florida grading scale page for GPA points and a converter.
Snow days and remote learning
Snow is rare in most of Florida, so even small amounts can disrupt school travel.
Not verified in this research pass (official site blocked or not reached).
Estimate tomorrow's odds with the Snow Day Calculator.
SAT and ACT scores in Florida (class of 2026)
Florida's class of 2026 averaged 983 on the SAT with 86% of graduates tested, and 19.9 on the ACT with 36% tested. Nationally the averages were 1045 (SAT) and 19.2 (ACT).
| Measure | Florida | U.S. | Rank (of 51) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT participation | 86% | n/a | 9 |
| SAT average total | 983 | 1045 | 43 |
| SAT Reading & Writing / Math | 506 / 477 | 528 / 517 | — |
| SAT total, class of 2025 | 970 | 1029 | — |
| ACT participation | 36% | 38% | 25 |
| ACT average composite | 19.9 | 19.2 | 30 |
Participation in Florida is partial on both tests, so each average reflects a mix of students who chose to test. Compare scores only with states that have similar participation. The SAT and ACT scores by state study shows this participation effect across all 50 states and DC. To see where a single score lands, use the SAT score calculator or the ACT score calculator.
Sources: College Board SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report (Florida, 2026); ACT 2026 average scores by state. Ranks are among the 50 states and DC.
Free tools for Florida families and teachers
- High school GPA calculator and final grade calculator
- AP score calculator for May exams
- EZ Grader and report card comments for teachers
- Homework planner and the 10-minute homework rule
This page replaces the Florida school listings of the homework-posting service that used this web address in the 2000s. The current site is independent of that service.
State rules change. Facts were checked against the linked sources on October 14, 2026; confirm with your district or state education department.