A group of consultants and parents met Thursday at the Key Biscayne Community Center to discuss the feasibility of a community charter high school.

The group's discussion was part of a series of informational workshops that kicked off Wednesday morning and allowed parents to gather more information about the charter high school they want to open.

During Thursday's workshop, consultants from EdVisions Schools, which started nontraditional schools, and Fielding Nair, an architectural firm that designs schools, showed parents possible models for the community school. They helped parents understand what a charter high school is.

''These workshops are really useful,'' said Key Biscayne and parent Alejandra Hierro. ``They make you get enthusiastic about the different ways our children can learn.''

Doug Thomas of EdVisions Schools recommended a nontraditional school with flexible schedules for the island. Parents agreed with him.

''I don't want my children in a traditional school,'' said Key Biscayne parent Karen Neupauer. ``I want very independent children.''

Thomas thinks the Key Biscayne charter high school could become a model for other charter schools in the country.

''This is a really strong community, and I look forward to have this as an example of a good charter school,'' he said.

While parents showed enthusiasm for the consultants' recommendations, they were concerned about the average funding the state gives to charter schools, about $7,500 per pupil.

Parents thought it wasn't enough.

But Thomas said a series of fundraisers could solve the financial issue. Workshops will continue to take place during the next few months.

Two workshops are scheduled for Nov. 19.

After the informational process is over, a committee of about 30 people will be formed to make program decisions and continue the chartering process.

They will recommend to the Key Biscayne Council whether to move forward with the project or not.

This summer, the council submitted a high school application to the school board, but because the informational workshops had not taken place, the application was incomplete.

When the school board asked for the missing information, which included a location for the school, council member Patricia Weinman recommended withdrawing the application -- at least temporarily. But parents don't want to give up their dream of a community high school.

''This is a great opportunity for our children that we should not let go,'' Hierro said.

Without a high school on the island, Key Biscayne children have to attend schools on the mainland such as Coral Gables High or Ransom Everglades. MAST Academy on Virginia Key does not have open enrollment.

''I really feel strongly that you deserve a school in Key Biscayne,'' Thomas said.