Education
50 years ago, schools focused on reading, writing, history, and math. Today, students still focus on core subjects as well as STEM courses and foreign languages. Today, a well-rounded education also includes enrichment classes such as chorus, band and theater and athletics.
There is an increased focus on child safety through partnerships with law enforcement and organizations such as Drug Free, DARE, and Mental Health agencies. In Florida, students are required to receive instruction on dating violence, substance abuse prevention and bullying.
The Florida Department of Education approves the curriculum standards, which are then adopted by the Charlotte County School Board through approved instructional materials.
Charlotte County Schools are governed by five school board members, who ensure the Florida laws and regulations from the Florida Department of Education<https://www.fldoe.org/> are followed.
A Diverse and Robust Educational Landscape
To educate, inspire, and support all students to build stronger communities, doesn't the mission statement say it all? Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS) oversees a range of educational institutions from early childhood programs, traditional K-12 and adult technical education. The district is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. CCPS is ranked the 24th school district in the state of Florida.
Community and Parental Involvement
A hallmark of Charlotte County's public schools is the strong sense of community and the active involvement of parents and local organizations. Schools frequently host events and workshops that engage families in the educational process. Parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) and community partners play a crucial role in supporting school initiatives and enhancing student experiences. Every school also has a School Advisory Council (SAC) consisting of parents, staff, and community members. The SAC has responsibilities and authority outlined in state statutes.
Home to 23 schools and centers, including adult education and charter schools, Charlotte County's educational system serves over 15,000 students and employs over 2,250 staff members. As the largest employer in Charlotte County, our schools play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community and ensuring its continued prosperity
Meeting the Demands of a Growing Population
The construction of new educational facilities is a major undertaking even in school systems where such construction is a continuous process. If a 50-year capital investment is to be protected, the location, size, type of materials, arrangement of spaces, and other considerations regarding each new facility or addition to an existing facility must be determined on the basis of reliable, factual data. To do otherwise would violate the trust of present and future generations of children and of taxpayers. The purpose of an educational plant survey is to aid in formulating plans for housing the educational activities of students and staff of the school district for the next several years and the survey must consider the local comprehensive plan in its forecast strategies. The development of this plan must be based on a careful study of all available data regarding the status of educational and ancillary facilities in relation to capital outlay full-time equivalency (COFTE) student membership and the projected changes in COFTE student membership. The intent of a regular, formal educational plant survey is to encourage the thoughtful, orderly development of a program for providing educational and ancillary plants to adequately house the educational and academic support activities of the district. A formal educational plant survey is required by §1013.31, F.S., to be conducted every five years, but may be conducted as often as necessary. It is sometimes necessary to make changes to the survey recommendations in the interim. Local school administrators are responsible for a regular auditing of survey recommendations and for the initiation of the request for any necessary changes.2. Renovations and Upgrades In addition to building new schools, the district has focused on renovating and upgrading existing facilities. These improvements include modernizing classrooms, upgrading technology infrastructure, and enhancing athletic and extracurricular facilities. By investing in these upgrades, CCPS aims to create a conducive learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth. The CCPS plant survey report can be viewed
HERE.
Special Programs and Initiatives
Charlotte County Public Schools are committed to offering special programs to meet diverse student needs. These include:
STEM Programs: Every school in the district has integrated STEM education into it's curricula, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and preparing them for future careers in these critical fields.
Arts Integration: The district recognizes the importance of the arts in education and supports various programs and activities that nurture students' creativity and artistic talents. From performing arts to culinary arts, CCPS has something to interest each student.
Career and Technical Education (CTE): High schools in Charlotte County offer CTE programs that provide students with practical skills and industry certifications, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce or further education. A new Aerospace Hangar project aims to launch two new programs: avionics systems and aviation assembly & fabrication. These programs will provide students with hands-on training and real-world experience in the field of aerospace, preparing them for rewarding careers in this high-demand industry.
The proposed Aerospace Hangar will be a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources to support experiential learning and skill development. By expanding the offerings within our career and technical education programs, the Charlotte County School District aims to provide all students with diverse pathways to success and meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
Aerospace Industry Takes Flight In Charlotte County!
A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!
Public schools in Charlotte County, Florida, are a cornerstone of the community, offering a diverse and dynamic educational environment. From elementary through high school, these schools are committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. Whether through innovative programs, strong support networks, or a focus on holistic education, Charlotte County's public schools are dedicated to preparing students for a successful future.
To view the schools "fast facts", click
HERE.
Frequent comments about our schools:
"Schools need to bring back teaching cursive writing"
With the start up of common core, cursive writing was taken away from the curriculum. In 2014, Florida reintroduced cursive as a requirement. Many states have reintroduced cursive writing. Florida B.E.S.T Standards has cursive writing as a benchmark in 3rd grade. Students also learn proficient keyboard skills.
"Why did the schools stop saying the pledge"
ButtonThat never happened in our community. Every morning, students say the pledge of allegiance. Students are also given time each moment for reflection. If they want to pray or meditate before their day starts, schools have a moment for each student.
In 2018, Florida lawmakers also passed FSS 1003.44(4), which mandates the pledge is to be recited every day.
"Schools need to stop indoctrinating children"
Charlotte County School Board has implemented policy to be in accordance with state law which prohibits indoctrination.
"They need to bring back wood shop classes, home economics and teach kids to balance a checkbook"
ButtonIn 2023, Charlotte County School Board hired Superintendent Mark Vianello. Mr. Vianello has brought a strong focus to the 3Es. His goal is to make sure each child that graduates from CCPS has the tools they need to succeed in which E they are striving for. The 3 Es are:
- Enroll: Students who plan to attend secondary school will be able to have a schedule to prepare them for college or university and have the opportunity to earn credits while attending high school.
- Enlist: If a student would like to serve our country, our schools will work with getting them prepared mentally, physically and emotionally to help be the best they can be.
- Employ: Students who plan on going right into the workforce will have a robust array of opportunities to earn certifications in the careers most needed in our community.
