Hurlburt Field Education Office: Programs and Services

Hurlburt Field's Education Office provides a comprehensive suite of programs and services designed to support military members and their families in achieving their educational goals. While there are no schools located directly on the installation, the Education Office serves as a vital resource, connecting families with local school districts and offering a wide range of educational opportunities for all ages.

K-12 Education for Military Families

Since there are no schools on the installation, children of families assigned to Hurlburt Field will attend schools in the Okaloosa or Santa Rosa School districts. Both districts provide public education for grades K-12 and have a variety of programs to meet the needs of the young population.

School Enrollment

The public school system suggests that children are enrolled in school as soon as possible, even if temporarily living in base lodging. Registration can be completed online before arrival by visiting the New Student Registration site for the appropriate district.

Required Documentation

Florida statutes require that each child who is entitled to admittance to prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any other initial entrance into a Florida public school must present certification of a school entry medical examination performed within the twelve months prior to enrollment in school. Without such certification, a medical appointment slip from a licensed physician signifying that the child will, in fact, have the physical examination within thirty (30) school days must be presented to the school. A child may then be allowed to register and enter school. If the parent or legal guardian of the child fails to present evidence of a medical examination within thirty (30) school days, the principal will exclude the student until medical examination documentation is presented to the principal. F.S. 1003.22(1), F.S. 1003.22(10)(a)(b)

A copy of the child's proof of age (birth certificate) must be supplied at the time of enrollment. The school district shall include the social security number in the student's permanent records. For more information, please refer to Florida Statute: 1008.386.

To register your student in their zoned school, you will need a document or photocopy showing your name and Florida home address. Examples include utility bills, bank statements, insurance policies, pay stubs, or government documents. (Post office boxes are not sufficient.) A driver’s license is NOT acceptable. Military orders can be used for the initial enrollment process and/or for the purpose of Controlled Open Enrollment.

Age Requirements

For admission to first grade, a student shall be six (6) years old on or before September 1 of the school year and shall satisfy one (1) of the following requirements: (a) Previous enrollment and attendance in a Florida public school; (b) Satisfactory completion of kindergarten as specified in Florida Statute; or (c) Previous attendance in an out-of-state school into which he or she was admitted on the basis of age requirement established by the state of residency. However, a child who transfers from another state shall be admitted under the same age requirements as established in the state where he or she previously resided.

Exemptions

Authorized school officials are determined by the local school board and may include the principal, school nurse, or other designated entity. These temporary exemptions are issued for the following situations: Military children: A military child as defined in 1000.36, Florida Statutes. Social Security card School physical (must be dated within 12 months of the student’s first day of school) Proof of residency Transfer Documentations as needed

Florida Statewide Assessments (FSA)

The FSA - Florida Statewide Assessments - is a series of standardized tests given to students from Kindergarten to 12th grade throughout the school year. FSA include Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) End-of-Course (EOC) and Writing Assessments, Science and Social Studies Assessments, and the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE). Information about FSA for students in grades K-2 can be located at K-2 FAST Tests. Additional information about each of the FSA for students in grades 3-12 can be found via the Fact Sheets located at FSA Fact Sheets.

The FSA tests that students are learning the state standards in their curriculum. CPALMS is the official source for the academic standards and course descriptions in Florida.

Assistance for Transitioning Military Students

FL Statute 1003.05 Assistance to transitioning students from military families.- (4) A student whose parent is transferred or is pending transfer to a military installation within a school district while on active military duty pursuant to an official military order shall be considered a resident of the school district for purposes of enrollment when the order is submitted to the school district and shall be provided preferential treatment in the controlled open enrollment process of the school district pursuant to s. 1002.31.

With each move, military children and families face many school-related challenges, which include: School Choice Transfer of Records Immunizations and Age Requirements Students in Special Programs Students with Special Education Needs Calendars and Schedules Graduation Requirements Sports and Extracurricular Activities Connectedness Partnerships with School Districts Senior Year Moves

Rest assured, School Liaisons are working together to provide support to students and families throughout the world.

Bus Transportation

All elementary students who live more than one mile from the schools will be transported to school. Other students living two or more miles from school are provided with school bus transportation. Special wheelchair transportation is available for handicapped children.

Exceptional Education Programs

Students who are identified as academically gifted or handicapped under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) have the opportunity to participate in Exceptional Education programs. Psychological services are also available. The Student Intervention department oversees the implementation of policies and procedures related to Florida statutes or State Board of Education rules affecting programs for exceptional students, including gifted students. Specifically, the department works with schools and parents to ensure that students with disabilities and gifted students receive the appropriate educational opportunities and related services through the IEP and/or EP process. Among those offered are band, chorus, flag corps, ROTC, football, basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, honor clubs and service clubs. Check with the particular school that your child will attend to find what activities are available since activities offered vary within the schools.

Early Education Programs

Parents may access information on legally operating early education programs by calling Kidline at 850-833-9330. This single point of contact will be able to provide parents with options appropriate to the needs of the family.

Head Start and Early Head Start

These are comprehensive child development programs which serve low-income children from birth to age 5, pregnant women and their families. They provide a range of services in the areas of education and early childhood development, ethnic, cultural and linguistic heritage and experience. The Head Start Program Performance Standards define the services that all Head Start Programs are to provide to the children and families they serve. Two meals and a snack are provided each day for all students. They can be reached at 850-244-2606.

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)

VPK is a legislatively mandated program designed to prepare every four-year-old in Florida for kindergarten and build the foundation for their educational success. The VPK program gives each child an opportunity to perform better in school and throughout life with quality programs that include high literacy standards, accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors. All eligible four-year olds are entitled to participate in one of the VPK program options.

SkillBridge Program

The SkillBridge program offers an opportunity for military members who are retiring, separating, and/or discharging with honorable conditions, to participate in and gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. Effective 26 June 2025, SkillBridge applications will no longer route through the Education and Training Section (E&TS) for review. Applicants must complete a virtual training in the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) before submitting their SkillBridge application in AFVEC. Applications will route directly to their supervisor and then to the approving commander. Supervisors and commanders must ensure applications comply with SkillBridge policies in DAFI 36-2670 section 6.10, and DAFI 36-3003, Table 4.3, Rule 23 and Relocation PTDY Rule 2 & 3. The E&TS will continue to offer general advisement on SkillBridge and provide an optional briefing on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 through FY25. However, the E&TS will not provide quality control reviews or have edit capabilities for SkillBridge applications.

Teen Center

The Teen Center is a safe and positive space for teens ages 13-18 to spend time while focusing on their next steps to adulthood. The center features the latest game systems, smart tvs, computers, wifi, music area, art studio, graphic designing, robotics, 3D printer, and more. Core areas include STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics), arts, service & leadership, and health & fitness. Through education and career programs, teens have the opportunity to gain experience in workplace readiness, college preparedness, scholarship assistance, career exploration, and more. Registration is $120 per year (prorated by month).

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