Orange County Public Schools is set to open a new microschool in August that intertwines classroom instruction with baseball and softball, aiming to arrest a slide in student enrollment.
A small, focused learning community
The microschool will serve just 48 students in third through sixth grade at Cheney Elementary in Orlando. Two teachers and two coaches will staff the program, providing a tightly knit environment where children can develop both academically and athletically.
Students will be divided into teams that compete in leagues for children ages 10‑and‑under and 12‑and‑under, giving them regular opportunities to play organized baseball and softball while still meeting core curriculum requirements.
Parent voice drives the model
Hundreds of parents expressed interest before the school even opened, creating a waiting list that has prompted district officials to schedule an informational meeting and tryouts. District 3 School Board member Alicia Farrant said the surge of interest reflects what families are looking for in today’s education landscape.
Farrant explained that parents want smaller schools with a more tailored environment where kids can focus on what they love, seeking fresh, improved ideas while still expecting a high‑quality academic experience.
District leaders say the success of this baseball‑centric microschool could pave the way for similar programs in other sports, such as soccer, expanding the district’s portfolio of specialized educational options.