MISSION
Engage, elevate, and empower every student, every day!
VISION
To be the premier provider of education, empowering every student to thrive in the everchanging world through innovation and continuous improvement.
DESCRIPTION
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Gulf Coast in Sarasota, Florida, Sarasota County Schools (SCS) boasts a vibrant educational landscape, catering to over 45,000 students across 56 diverse schools, spanning preschool through 12th grade, speaking more than 60 languages. Renowned as a leading district in Florida, SCS has achieved an outstanding “A grade” from the Florida Department of Education since the rankings began in 2004. In the 2023-24 school year, SCS secured the fifth spot among Florida’s top-performing school districts according to the Florida Department of Education and stands as the 21st largest school district in Florida by enrollment.
Our 56 schools are a great source of community pride with 23 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 6 high schools, 3 combination schools, one alternative school, one technical college, 14 public charter schools, and one virtual school. We currently have multiple schools under construction with a new K-8 opening in the 2025-2026 school year.
SERVICES/PROGRAMS
The Department of Strategic Engagement for Sarasota County Schools is dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships, enhancing communication, and building strong relationships among students, families, staff, and the broader community.
Our mission is to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment that empowers every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through strategic initiatives, open dialogue, and meaningful engagement, we aim to cultivate a unified educational community that prioritizes student success, belonging, and lifelong learning. Together, we strive to shape the future of education and nurture responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens.
Our Strategic Goals reflect our commitment to creating a dynamic and collaborative educational environment where all stakeholders are engaged, empowered, and working together to ensure the success of every student, every day in Sarasota County Schools.
- Enhancing Engagement Capacities: Develop and strengthen the ability of schools, families, and the community to engage effectively through comprehensive training programs, public awareness campaigns, and efficient information management systems.
- Empowering Family Engagement: Create pathways that empower families to play an active role in their child’s education at both home and school. Through training and ongoing support, that will enable families to become valued partners in their child’s educational journey.
- Visitor and Volunteer Management: Provide leadership, guidance, and support to all schools and district facilities to ensure safe and effective visitor and volunteer management protocols are in place, promoting a welcoming and secure learning environment.
- Student Mentorship and Leadership: Establish, promote, and provide guidance and support for student mentorship and leadership programs within our schools. These programs will help students develop leadership skills and build positive relationships with peers.
- Fostering Collaborative Partnerships: Actively cultivate partnerships with community organizations, volunteers, available resources, and business partners. These collaborations will enhance educational support, broaden opportunities for students, and strengthen the ties between our schools and the broader community.
SARASOTA COUNTY STEM FAIR
Sarasota County Schools strives to continue our long-standing commitment to stimulating student, teacher, and public interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with the annual county STEM Fair. The format of the 2024-2025 STEM fair will have both virtual and in-person elements. Sarasota County public, charter, and private school students, grades 3-12, are encouraged to participate in school-based STEM Fairs. Each participating school enters their top projects into the regional competition, where students in grades 6-12 may be chosen to advance to the State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) and/or the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
