If you are moving to the Suncoast with school age children, I understand how important it is to evaluate local schools. You'll be pleased to learn that the school system in Pinellas County is an outstanding one! It's not always possible to "live where you play". But in the case of Pinellas County, you can enjoy everything the area has to offer, while knowing that your children's education will be just as outstanding. The Pinellas County School System provides K-12 education. There are 141 elementary, middle, high and specialty public schools within its system, which is the 21st largest school system in the US. The district serves all of Pinellas County and strives to unite with the local communities to provide a quality education to each student, enabling them to succeed for a lifetime. Its mission is to align all available resources so that students can achieve their highest potential. Indeed, they are accomplishing their goals. - In 2008-2009 school year, with 478 national-board certified teachers, 75% percent of the district's students received an A or B in the A+ Plan 2009 rankings.
- Seventeen graduates were named National Merit semi-finalists. Three received National Merit college scholarships, and five received National Merit scholarships of $2,500 each.
- Twenty-eight Pinellas County public schools received the 2009 Five Star School Award from the Florida Department of Education for their outstanding work in family and community projects.
- Four of the district’s elementary schools earned the 2009 “Promising Practices” in Character Education award from the Character Education Partnership.
- In the National Skills USA Competition for career/technical education, five district schools were awarded 15 medals for their achievement: 4 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze.
- The District’s transportation also received its second “Promising Practices” Award and was the only Transportation Department in the US to win.
- Two elementary schools in the district, Douglas, L. Jamerson and James B. Sanderlin, were selected 2009 Schools of Distinction by Magnet Schools.
- Fuguitt Elementary and Seminole Elementary were also declared winners of the Florida State Schools of Character by the Golden Rule Foundation and were national finalists for the 2009 National Schools of Character Award.
The Pinellas County School Board is independent from the Board of County Commissioners. It levies its own millage which is used to purchase textbooks, pay teacher salaries and maintain classrooms and other facilities. This board administers the new School Choice Program, a program that allows parents the option to choose which schools their children will attend. If you have any questions about our school system or how your child's needs can be met, don't hesitate to contact me. As a long-time area resident, I can either answer your question or tap into the right resources to get the answer! Call me at 727-424-3968, or complete the form below to send an email. Charli |