Education
Sarasota County’s School District is designated by the Florida Department of Education as a “Grade A” district. 65% of the County’s public school teachers hold a master’s degree or higher, compared to a 41% state average.
Supporting Lifelong Learners
The Sarasota County School District is 55 public schools with a goal to raise the next generation of lifelong learners.
Traditional K-12
Charter
Two schools for students with special needs
A school for intellectually gifted students
An academy for struggling students, grades 8-10
A technical high school
An institute offering career training for high school students and adults
Pine View School
Pine View School serves intellectually gifted students, grades 2–12, from throughout Sarasota County. It consistently ranks among the nation’s best high schools on lists compiled by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek and other publications.
Specialized programs
- International Baccalaureate (Riverview High, Brookside Middle and Phillippi Shores Elementary)
- Advanced International Certificate of Education (Sarasota High)
- Visual and Performing Arts programs (Booker Middle and Booker High)
- The Young Marines (Venice Middle School) the nation’s first all-day middle school program sanctioned by the U.S. Marine Corps.
High schools feature learning communities that focus on specific career areas such as Business Management, Marketing & Hospitality (North Port High), and the Venice Medical Academy (Venice High School), to name a few.
Higher Education
New College of Florida
The honors college of Florida, where students earn bachelor’s degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, plus individually arranged multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and special topic majors. New College consistently ranks among the nation’s best value public liberal arts college.
Ringling College of Art and Design
Offering bachelor’s degrees in 14 disciplines including advertising design, business of art & design, computer animation, digital filmmaking, fine arts, game art & design, graphic & interactive communication, illustration, interior design, motion design, and photography & digital imaging. The college consistently ranks among the country’s top visual art and design schools. Aside from degree programs, Ringling offers a number of exceptional opportunities for the community.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
SCF is a dynamic college dedicated to meeting the educational and workforce training needs of citizens and businesses in the region. SCF’s expanded mission includes workforce baccalaureate degrees with a continuing core focus on highly respected associate degrees that prepare graduates for university transfer and professional careers. In addition, SCF’s vibrant Corporate & Community Development division works hand in hand with business partners to close the skills gap by providing customized contract and worker training. Campuses are located in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and online.
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
USF Sarasota-Manatee is a comprehensive university for those interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit. USFSM offers the prestige of a nationally ranked research university with the convenience of a hometown university, including classes in south Sarasota County.
Everglades University
Everglades University is a private, regionally accredited, not-for-profit university offering Bachelor of Science Degrees in alternative medicine, alternative and renewable energy management, construction management, crisis and disaster management, business administration, applied management, aviation technology, and aviation management; and master’s degrees in business administration, aviation science, and entrepreneurship at its Sarasota County campus in Lakewood Ranch. Everglades University is approved for veterans training.
Florida State University
Regional Medical School Campus – The Sarasota regional campus of Florida State University College of Medicine provides medical students third and fourth-year clinical training with local physicians, ambulatory care facilities and hospitals.
Florida State University Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training
A three-year graduate program culminating in a Master of Fine Arts degree through the Florida State University School of Theatre. Considered to be one of America’s leading acting schools, the Conservatory trains actors of the highest caliber in a professional theatre environment through classroom work and production experience.
Keiser University
Keiser University, regionally accredited since 1991, provides master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in high-demand, career-focused fields. A leader in workforce education, Keiser University offers courses in allied health, business, computer technology, criminal justice, culinary arts, education, hospitality and legal disciplines.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Bradenton campus is part of the largest medical school in the country. LECOM Bradenton at Lakewood Ranch offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and dental medicine.
Vocational Education
Suncoast Technical College
Offering technical training and continuing education to people who need to upgrade or learn new skills for today’s workplace. STC strives to meet the demands of the local workforce through active participation with business, industry and health employers.
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Top Rated & #1 High School in FL District
17 Years Running
“Ringling College – Top 15 Film School”
-The Hollywood Reporter
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Contact us to see how we can help you thrive in Sarasota County.
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The EDC of Sarasota County diversifies our local economy and helps create jobs for Floridians. Investing in the EDC empowers us to grow our economy and attract more business to our region.
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Chair Advisors
