OKEECHOBEE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER

OKEECHOBEE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER is a public high school that is part of the WASHINGTON school district, located in OKEECHOBEE, FL with about 152 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 12th Grade. With about 10 teachers, OKEECHOBEE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The OKEECHOBEE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER (OYDC), located in Okeechobee, Florida, functions as a specialized educational facility operating under the oversight of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice in collaboration with the Okeechobee County School District. The center is designed to serve youth who have been placed in state custody, providing them with a structured environment that emphasizes academic progress, vocational training, and behavioral rehabilitation. By integrating secondary education with rehabilitative programming, the center aims to help students earn credits toward graduation or a GED while addressing the unique social and developmental needs of the incarcerated population it serves.

Academically, the school follows a curriculum aligned with Florida state standards, tailored to accommodate students with varying educational backgrounds and learning gaps. Because the student population is often transient, the faculty focuses on individualized instruction and personalized learning plans to ensure that students can remain on track for academic success despite their circumstances. Beyond core subjects, the program is dedicated to fostering personal growth and accountability, aiming to reduce recidivism by equipping students with the tools and skills necessary for a successful transition back into their home communities upon release.

For more information, contact OKEECHOBEE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER at (863) 467-0124 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.