Florida’s Class Size Reduction Amendment History
In 2002, citizens approved an amendment to the Florida Constitution that set limits on the number of students in core classes (Math, English, Science, etc.) in the state’s public schools. Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, the maximum number of students in each core class would be:
- 18 students in prekindergarten through grade 3;
- 22 students in grades 4 through 8; and
- 25 students in grades 9 through 12.
In 2003, the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 2003-391, Laws of Florida which implemented the amendment by requiring the number of students in each classroom to be reduced by at least two students per year beginning in the 2003-04 school year, until the maximum number of students per classroom did not exceed the requirements in law. Compliance with the amendment would be determined as follows:
- 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 at the district level
- 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 at the school level
o The 2009 Legislature extended the calculation at the school level for an additional year to include 2009-2010. - 2010-2011 and subsequent years at the classroom level
For more information, visit the FLDOE Website or the FL Department of State Website
St. Johns County and the Class Size Amendment
St. Johns County schools are in compliance with the class size amendment. In classes where enrollment is above the allotted number, an associate teacher is placed in the classroom as support for the lead teacher. For secondary schools, this amendment is only for core classes like Science, Math, English, and Social Studies. It does not hold for AP, IB, AICE, or elective courses. However, our schools ensure that the number of students does not exceed a number that ensures optimal learning for those courses.
- 18 students in prekindergarten through grade 3;
- 22 students in grades 4 through 8; and
- 25 students in grades 9 through 12.