Finding the Perfect School for Your Child in Sarasota-Manatee, Florida
For families relocating to the sweet salt life of Florida from everywhere else that has state income tax, a cold climate or perhaps landlocked, a top priority is finding a great school for children. A school where children can make a smooth transition, feel accepted, make new friends, and be successful academically. The social benefits for parents can be incredible too!
You may begin your search for that perfect school by scouring the internet to find school rankings or by visiting district websites. Although these methods will give you an overall idea of the schools in your area, as a parent, you will naturally want to know more. After all, you are choosing a place where your child will spend a great deal of time with adults whom you will need to entrust with your most precious asset. It’s a big decision.
You will uncover in your search that in addition to many A-rated public school options, both Sarasota and Manatee Counties offer a wide variety of private, charter, and magnet schools. If you are looking for a school that will foster a specific interest or talent your child has, you are sure to find one that will cater to this need. Here are a couple examples that set Sarasota-Manatee apart from other places:
Sarasota School of Arts & Sciences (SSA+S) has several incredible programs such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program that is a Math, Science, and Technology Rich Curriculum. Other students may be more interested in Visual Performing Arts Academy, for successful entrance into the various arts programs offered in Sarasota and Manatee County. Students can enroll in theatre, dance, music, visual or graphic arts elective classes as part of performing fine arts or visual/digital arts prep programs. Last, we highlight the Cambridge AICE Courses. Cambridge Academy required course will feature an emphasis on improving students’ analytical skills. Students will develop greater debate, presentation, and research skills, as well as broader international and legal frameworks for understanding domestic and global issues. Students will complete individual and group research projects as well as take a Cambridge administered exam. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for the rigor of advanced high school level programs, such as AICE, IB or the Law Academy Preparatory Program.
Manatee School for the Arts (MSA) - Live the Arts- is a public charter school in Palmetto, Florida for middle and high school students. This school is dedicated to achieving the mission of meeting the needs of all children through infusing the arts and teaching to the multiple intelligence! The opportunities to learn here are endless with music, dance, theater, visual arts, academics and digital arts! This is a school of belonging, inspiration, and acceptance-recognized as a place where ALL parents wish they could have attended.
Sarasota Polytechnical High School (SPHS) is a technology magnet high school that offers a rigorous curriculum to prepare its students for college and careers. SPHS graduated its first Senior class in June of 2012 and sits on a 66-acre campus that is shared with Suncoast Technical College and prides itself on this relationship where students get to dual enroll. SPHS offers the Sarasota community a small school atmosphere by capping the total enrollment for students in grades 9-12 at 600 students. However, SPHS students have big and unique learning opportunities to accelerate in both CTE and academic coursework. SPHS offers students two signature programs: Animation/Gaming/Simulation (AGS) and Engineering/Robotics CTE Programs. SPHS also takes pride in its relationships with the Business Community.
IMG Academy is a preparatory boarding school and sports training destination in Bradenton, Florida. Home of the world's most dedicated student-athletes, kids can join the world's most prestigious international boarding school, an institution responsible for developing many recognized professional athletes. By attending IMG Academy your student athlete has the opportunity to train at times that work the best for them.
Sarasota Military Academy offers a unique learner-centered approach that can benefit your child through a blend of character and skills development, academic engagement, and a supportive learning environment. They are on a Mission-Within a culture where every cadet is highly valued, Sarasota Military Academy is committed to: Preparing students for College, Careers, and Citizenship; Developing Tomorrow's Leaders; and Cultivating Character based upon the steadfast values of Honor, Integrity, and Respect. The Sarasota Military Academy is one of the few opportunities to receive college preparatory schools that has little to no tuition requirement.
Buffalo Creek Middle School has one of the most awarded Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs in Manatee County. Buffalo Creek is the only school in Manatee County to hold a THREE STAR rating for the 2016 National Chapter Award, and one of only two middle schools in the state to receive such a distinction. Another school with a FFA program is Palmetto High School.
A great way to begin a deep dive into a specific school is by calling the school directly to set up a tour. If the school is located outside of your home’s districted boundaries, you will need to inquire about their enrollment options or find out if the school is accepting School Choice Applications.
It’s important to meet with administration and the school personnel who will be working directly with your child. Aside from visiting classrooms and getting a feel for the physical environment, you’ll want to take note of how the school creates a sense of community, inclusive climate and culture among students and staff. Some elementary schools in Manatee County, for example, have adopted the House System. This idea was started at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Students are sorted into “houses” that each represent unique properties, positive character traits, and fosters relationships and school spirit. Houses compete and earn points for completing acts of service for the school and the community. Individuals are also held accountable for contributing house points by completing school responsibilities and upholding good character. At the end of each quarter, houses compete in a fun physical challenge in a final attempt to add points to their total score in order to win the coveted House Cup Trophy.
In addition to high-interest clubs and extra-curricular activities, great schools also offer student leadership opportunities even at the elementary level. Programs like Student Ambassadors who are tasked with welcoming and supporting new students. Student Mentors who work with younger age groups to help with academic and character development. Safety Patrol volunteers who serve as models for younger children and teach peers about traffic safety and keep them safe. Programs like these provide an opportunity for your child to learn to identify and display effective communication and interpersonal skills needed in the 21st century.
Whatever your child’s personal needs or interests are, you will be sure to find a school that is a perfect fit in Manatee or Sarasota County. The Villella Group is serving our clients with attention to detail on education during buying and selling consultations.
