Each school continually strives to meet the stringent state requirements to become a Five Star School. This award recognizes schools with exemplary programs which fully integrate the involvement of the community to produce student improvement. Six private schools are also available to meet your needs.

A unique part of the education is The S.M.A.R.T. (Student Marketing And Retail Training) Shop. This is a learning space for 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students where there is the opportunity to operate a retail store, service customers, and more by applying economics, mathematics, language arts, good work habits, and employability skills. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year. (Call 485-6521 to check on summer hours). A variety of items from area merchants are available for purchase as well as an entire section with items made by students. Stop by the store located at the corner of Tamiami Trail and Miami Avenue and see for yourself what it is like to shop at a store run by kids.

In order to enter school or transfer from out-of-state, you will need to provide the following registration requirements: previous school records, birth certificate, proof of residence,health certificate, proof of immunization against: rubella, rubeola, mumps, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

For forms, call the County Health Department at 492-3800.

The Sarasota County School Board is here to guide you and is comprised of a superintendent and five members elected countywide to staggered terms. The current members are Dr. Carol Todd, Gina Taylor, Janice Mee, Frank Kovach, and John Lewis.

Contact any of them at 1960 Landings Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34231 or call 927-9000.

The best way to encourage your child to do well in school is by example. Get involved in every aspect of your child’s education and volunteer to help.