Education Facilities

The Sarasota County public school system (www.sarasota.k12.fl.us) is committed to preparing young people for lives and careers that will keep pace with today’s rapidly changing world. Each of our area schools have unique qualities that make them special places for children to learn and grow.

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.

Garden Elementary (941) 486-2110	Received national distinction as a "Families Welcome" school.
Venice Elementary (941) 486-2111	Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the Florida Department of Businesses and Alliances
Taylor Ranch Elementary (941) 486-2000	One of the leaders in the use of educational technology including multi-media, e-mail, productivity software, and the Internet.
Laurel Nokomis School (941) 486-2171	Selected to represent the State of Florida as a model intensive site for technology integration (joint campus).
Venice Area Middle School (941) 486-2100	Comprehensive career explorations and preparation programs and over 80 business programs with area communities.
Venice High School (941) 488-6726	Includes a science/technology lab fully equipped with state-of-the-art computers and materials.
Pine View School (941) 486-2001	Only full-service school for gifted children in the State of Florida.
Epiphany Cathedral School (941) 488-2215	Private School. Please contact school for additional information.
European Academy of Early Education (941) 412-0088	Private School. Please contact school for additional information.
International Montessori Academy (941) 497-7695	Private School. Please contact school for additional information.
Heritage Christian Academy (941) 474-5884	Private School. Please contact school for additional information.
Sarasota Christian School (941) 371-6481	Private School. Please contact school for additional information.
Venice Christian School (941) 496-4411	Private School. Please contact school for additional information.

Enrollment Requirements

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.

Rich with educational opportunities for children, Venice also offers quality higher education for adults of all ages. Our libraries are second-to-none and offer many extra features not found in other areas.

Adult Education | Public Libraries