CFK Academy Applications Open for 2026-27; Key West Open House Jan. 29

Applications are now open for CFK Academy, the College of the Florida Keys’ tuition-free, A-rated public charter high school serving Monroe County students in grades 9-12. The school emphasizes college and career readiness through a STEM and Career Technical Education curriculum with Project-Based Learning and dual enrollment opportunities that allow motivated students to earn college credit while completing high school.

Prospective students and families are invited to an open house on Thursday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m. on CFK’s Key West Campus. The event will include a tour of the campus, a presentation on academic offerings, and time to meet the principal, teachers, staff, and current students. The open house creates a direct opportunity for island families to see how the school operates and to assess whether its blended high school and college pathway fits their goals.

CFK Academy has earned an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education every year since opening in 2023. Through the college’s Dual Enrollment program, students can pursue high school and college credit simultaneously; some students may graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree or an industry certification. Space is limited for the 2026-27 school year. Applications are due Feb. 24, and a lottery will be held Feb. 26. Families may apply online at CFK.edu/CFKAcademy.

For Monroe County, the expansion of accessible pathways to postsecondary credentials carries public health and social equity implications. By lowering financial barriers to college-level coursework and offering industry-aligned training, the academy can help reduce long-term economic strain on families, improve job prospects for young people who remain in the Keys, and strengthen the local pipeline of skilled workers. Educational attainment is a key social determinant of health, and a tuition-free model that allows students to graduate with credentials can translate into better economic stability and access to healthcare and services down the line.

The school’s emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning also aligns with workforce needs by equipping students with practical skills and certifications rather than only traditional academic diplomas. For a community facing high living costs and unique geographic isolation, local options that combine high school and college credit can mean students do not have to leave the Keys to advance their education or training.

What comes next for families is straightforward: visit the CFK Key West Campus on Jan. 29 to learn more, submit applications by Feb. 24 at CFK.edu/CFKAcademy, and watch for the Feb. 26 lottery results. For many island students, the academy represents a chance to stack credentials, reduce educational debt, and stay rooted in the community while building career-ready skills.