HOPE Waiver Information

What is the HOPE Waiver?
The HOPE (Health Opportunities through Physical Education) Waiver allows eligible students to waive the required high school HOPE course (Personal Fitness and Physical Education) under specific conditions approved by the Florida Department of Education and Orange County Public Schools.

Who Qualifies?
Students may qualify for the HOPE Waiver if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Completion of two full seasons of an approved JV or Varsity sport.
  • This does not include crew, dance, or non-competitive cheerleading.
• Completion of two years in a JROTC program.
  • This does not include ERAU dual enrollment or the Emergency Medical Response Program.
• Completion of two years in marching band or color guard.

How to Apply

• Students who have completed two years in a JROTC program must speak with their school counselor to initiate the waiver process. No form is required for this option.
• To waive HOPE through participation in interscholastic sports, student-athletes must:
  1. Have participated in an approved sport at the junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons.
  2. Click here to print and complete the HOPE Waiver Form
  3. Please submit the completed form to their school counselor for review and processing.
• To waive HOPE through participation in marching band or color guard, students must:
  1. Have participated in two years of marching band or color guard.
  2. Click here to print and complete the HOPE Waiver Form
  3. Please submit the completed form to their school counselor for review and processing.

Important Notes:

• The waiver does not award credit—it only waives the requirement.
• Students must still meet the 24-credit graduation requirement through other courses.
• Approval is subject to verification by school staff.