Best states for education in 2025
Schools across the country offer different resources that help students thrive academically, and these states earn high grades for their overall performance.
Florida teacher’s dismissal over use of student’s preferred name, sparks protests
A Brevard County teacher's contract wasn’t renewed after using a student’s preferred name without parental consent, citing state law.
Bill to cut college-readiness program funding advances
School districts across Florida could lose millions of dollars in funding for acceleration programs, and these cuts could have a big impact on families as their students prepare for college. The bill in the house would cut funding by 50% for programs such as advanced placement, international baccalaureate, career-technical courses and dual enrollment. The measure, along with another bill in the senate, would change how schools calculate enrollment and funding.
Orange County student brings alcohol to school
A student at Ridgewood Park Elementary School is in trouble for bringing alcohol to school today. The Orange County school district has confirmed the student shared the alcohol with other students on campus. All the students were checked out by paramedics and were OK.
School district sticks by decision after teacher loses job
The Brevard County School District says it's sticking by Florida law and not renewing a teacher's contract after she called a student by their preferred name without parental approval. The decision has sparked protests by students, but the district says there are consequences for actions.
Volunteer teaches etiquette to Central Florida youth
Jacquie Alexander has been teaching etiquette and life skills to youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida in the Pine Hills area for the past five years. Alexander joins FOX 35 with a few special guests to talk about her passion and why it's important to teach children the art of kindness.
Pre-K teacher investigated for giving kids gummies before nap time
Parents reported "their children feeling sleepier and napping during the day when they normally wouldn’t," according to a search warrant.
Jones and Evans 2025 graduates receive Valencia scholarship
Every 2025 graduate from both Jones and Evans high schools in Orlando will get an opportunity to go to Valencia College for free. The school district says the scholarships are an effort to give these students more opportunities.
FOX 35 Care Force: Academic tutor Diane Revels
The FOX35 Care Force is honoring a retired teacher turned academic tutor who just can’t stay away from the classroom even as she faced the battle of her life with cancer. Academic tutor Diane Revels focuses her efforts on making sure her students meet their goals and can progress to the next grade. She retired with more than 40 years of experience, but the classroom called her back.
Parents angry over proposed changes to Osceola County ESE program
The Osceola County School District plans significant changes to its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program.
BPS looking into new ways to boost student enrollment at underutilized schools
Some families in Brevard County are worried schools could be closing as BPS investigates schools with low enrollment.
Community rallies in support of McNair Middle School
McNair Magnet Middle School in Brevard County is facing an uncertain future due to its low enrollment numbers. The community is prepared to discuss solutions for the school during public comment at a School Board meeting tonight.
UCF Knights Football holds open practice for fans
The University of Central Florida (UCF) football team held an open practice for fans, family and friends on Saturday at the “bounce house." This is UCF head football coach Scott Frost's first year back coaching the Knights. Former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton has also returned to the program.
Columbia must notify students before handing records to Congress amid antisemitism probe
A federal judge in Manhattan ruled Columbia University must give students 30 days’ notice before turning over records to Congress in its probe into campus antisemitism, but stopped short of blocking the handover entirely.
Florida House backs 'Gulf of America' name change in schools
The Florida House passed bills renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, following a Trump directive.
Evolv: Florida school as gun tracker, weapons screener
The Volusia County Schools District is testing out a news weapons detection system called "Evolv." The school district is the first in Florida to implement the advanced security screening technology.
Volusia school district launches new weapons detection system
The Volusia County Schools District is testing out a news weapons detection system called "Evolv." The school district is the first in Florida to implement the advanced security screening technology.
Ohio library book returned almost 100 years overdue
The overdue library book was checked out in 1926 and librarians found it at a local Ohio branch decades later.
UCF police investigating vehicle burglaries at Knights Circle apartment complex
Police at the University of Central Florida said they are investigating a series of vehicle burglaries that took place Thursday at the Knights Circle apartment complex.
Push to 'lower the stakes' when it comes to testing
On this segment of FOX 35 Classroom, we speak to parenting, education and family expert, Connie Albers, about eliminating state tests and general math anxiety.