April 7, 2026
Orange County School Board Unanimously Approves Lift Orlando Charter Application for Orange Center Elementary
Update: ORLANDO, Fla. (April 7, 2026) — The Orange County School Board this evening unanimously and enthusiastically approved Lift Orlando’s charter application for the conversion of Orange Center Elementary School.
The approval marks a major milestone in establishing a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership between Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools, advancing a new model designed to strengthen academic outcomes and expand wraparound support for students and families in the 32805 community.
The application, submitted on March 5, 2026, followed a successful parent vote on January 22, 2026.
Superintendent Maria F. Vasquez reflected on the partnership, noting the more than decade-long collaboration between Lift Orlando and OCPS in West Lakes and the impact already visible in the community. She shared excitement for the next phase of the work and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to ensuring students, families, and staff have the support needed for success.
District 5 Board Member Vicki-Elaine Felder emphasized the importance of the decision, noting the opportunity to reimagine what is possible for both traditional public schools and charter schools. She expressed gratitude for Lift Orlando’s long-standing commitment and determination, adding that bold, new approaches are needed to strengthen public education.
Following the vote, Lift Orlando President and CEO Eddy Moratin called the moment a significant step forward, noting that it is rare to see charter school models and public school systems working in true partnership. He emphasized that the initiative represents an innovative approach designed to help the whole child thrive at home and in school.
Orange Center Elementary will transition to a neighborhood charter school operated by the Neighborhood Schools Initiative, an independent nonprofit created by Lift Orlando. The organization will be governed by a board that includes business leaders, educators, and parents, along with a community-based advisory committee to ensure local voice and accountability.
The school will transition to a charter starting in 2026-2027 school year.
January 2026
Orange Center Elementary Families Approve Charter Conversion
Update: ORLANDO, Fla. (January 22, 2026) — Parents at Orange Center Elementary School have voted to convert the school into Florida’s first public-private charter school through a partnership with Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools.
Following a six-day voting period, eligible parents approved the conversion by a margin of 185–32, with 225 ballots cast. The voting process was overseen by former Ninth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr., who served as the independent arbitrator.
The approved plan will transform Orange Center into a K-8 charter academy beginning in July 2026, with a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). The school currently serves 444 students, with enrollment expected to grow.
Lift Orlando’s role in the partnership centers on strengthening student opportunity while maintaining Orange Center as a neighborhood school. Priority enrollment will be given to students currently zoned for the school, those already enrolled, and their siblings.
“This vote reflects families’ belief in a shared vision for expanded resources, innovative learning, and long-term community impact,” said Mark Shamley, Vice President of Community Impact for Lift Orlando.
Lift Orlando looks forward to continuing to work alongside families, educators, and Orange County Public Schools as planning moves forward.
October 28, 2025
New Public-Private Partnership between Lift Orlando and Orange County School Board Strengthens Education, Family Engagement, and Community Support in the 32805 ZIP Code
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 28, 2025) — The Orange County School Board has approved a groundbreaking Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with nonprofit Lift Orlando to pilot a new public-private school model designed to enhance academic achievement and expand holistic support for students and families in the 32805 ZIP Code.
Next Step: Following today’s approval, Lift Orlando and OCPS will engage parents to gather input and approval for launching the pilot model in 2026. An Education Advisory Committee (EAC) of 12 members will represent residents, educators, and community partners to ensure families remain involved and informed throughout the process. Under Florida law, only parents of currently enrolled students will decide whether the model proceeds to charter application and launch.
Neighborhood Schools Initiative (NSI), a nonprofit organization made up of parents, educators, and community leaders, would operate Orange Center Elementary as a STEAM Academy under the oversight of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). The partnership would convert the school to a public charter school while maintaining full transparency and accountability to the School Board, bringing flexibility, innovation, and wraparound support directly into the classroom. This builds upon the five-year collaboration between OCPS and Lift Orlando that envisioned Orange Center’s expansion to a K–8 model.
NSI will be governed by a seven-member board comprised of parents, community leaders, business leaders, and education experts. The organization will be held to rigorous academic and operational standards, with OCPS maintaining full accountability and oversight. National partners, including Purpose Built Communities and Harlem Children’s Zone, will provide guidance and technical assistance based on their experience transforming schools and communities nationwide.
Orange Center Elementary will remain a neighborhood school deeply rooted in the community, offering classroom innovation and access to Lift’s ecosystem of wraparound services. Lift Orlando will continue to support other neighborhood schools in the Communities of West Lakes and throughout the 32805 ZIP Code through early learning programs, afterschool and summer learning, family stability services, and health and wellness initiatives. Orange Center Elementary will serve as a model for community-based education that can be replicated across the area in the years to come.
If approved by parents, Orange Center Elementary will serve as a hub of innovation and the pilot site for an integrated public-private model that combines academic excellence with holistic support for children and families.
Students currently zoned for Orange Center Elementary will receive priority enrollment, ensuring the pilot model continues to serve the children and families who call this neighborhood home.
If approved by parents, the new school model will begin implementation ahead of the 2026–2027 school year and expand to serve grades K–8 by 2029–2030.
More information will be available at LiftOrlando.org/eduupdate.
October 14, 2025
Proposed Memorandum of Agreement | Lift Orlando & Orange County Public Schools
On October 14, 2025, Lift Orlando participated in a working session regarding a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Orange County School Board as the next step in exploring a unique public-private partnership designed to improve education outcomes in the 32805 ZIP Code. The recorded working session is available here. This discussion sets the stage for a formal board vote on October 28, 2025.
Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) aim to create an innovative model that strengthens academic achievement, enhances wraparound services, and builds stronger connections between schools and the neighborhoods they serve.
We're seeking to pilot this new public-private partnership with Orange County Public Schools at Orange Center Elementary. While Orange Center Elementary would serve as the pilot site, our commitment extends to supporting surrounding neighborhood schools that feed into Jones High School as well, ensuring that more students across the 32805 ZIP Code benefit from this collective effort.
Following the board vote on October 28, we will actively engage local parents to gather their input and support before launching the model at the pilot school. Parents at Orange Center Elementary will be the first to have the opportunity to consider converting their school and becoming part of this new collaboration with OCPS. Parents and families will continue to play a vital role every step of the way.
Together with parents, OCPS, and community partners, we are working to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive right here in our neighborhood. We will share updates as this process moves forward.