familyliving
education 2018
GULFCOAST
www.floridafamilyliving.com
Homework survival
GUIDE
CELL PHONES & KIDS ... WHEN WILL THEY BE READY?
4 FIT
FACTORS CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
E TH TION A N C U ED DITIO E
TOP SCHOOLS revealed
Your Child’s Vision is Our Focus
familyliving
G U L F C O A S T Edition 2017 - Issue 1
EDITOR & PUBLISHER Beth Winkle beth@floridafamilyliving.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jaclyn Smither adtraffic@comcast.net CONTRIBUTORS Kathryn Kvols, Author SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Elizabeth Winkle elizabeth@floridafamilyliving.com
Signs of Vision Problems in Children:
Phone: 941.922.5437 x1001 Cell: 941-323-2013
Squinting or blinking Sitting too close to the television
CORPORATE OFFICE
Drifting or crossing of an eye
1840 Glengary Street
Tilting or turning of the head Droopy eyelid Excessive tearing
Sarasota, FL 34231 Phone: 941.922.5437 creative@floridafamilyliving.com www.floridafamilyliving.com
Headaches while reading Closing or covering an eye Drop in school performance Dr. Scott Silverman and his friendly staff are committed to making your child’s routine eye exams seem like fun with a caring approach that makes kids comfortable. Call today!
CoastalEye.com (941)748-1818 SARASOTA • LAKEWOOD RANCH
www.floridafamilyliving.com Gulfcoast Family is published six times per year by Florida Family Magazine. It is distributed free of charge throughout Sarasota & Manatee Counties. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Florida Family Magazine is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to Florida Family Magazine will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Copyright 2017. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
2018
EDUCATION EDITION
in everyissue 12
Education Directory
31
Family Marketplace
specialsection top schools & resources
parenting
Top Public Schools
4 Are They Ready
14 Sarasota County 16 Manatee County
for a Cell Phone? The pros, cons and parental controls. No one knows your child like you do. After reading this article you should feel better informed to make an educated decision about your child and cell phone use.
7 Parenting Practice As parents we all make mistakes with our kids. We try our best, but often fall into old, ineffective patterns. This story is about a Mom that did just that. If it sounds similar, have no fear! We have supplied the solutions.
health 8 The Sick List
Three contagious ailments many children get and how to treat them. From the flu, to viruses and common head lice, kids are always coming home with something. These are great tips to help you spot the symptoms early and how to overcome them.
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Private & Charter School Spotlight 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 29
NewGate School Pinnacle Academy Easter Seals of Southwest FL Bradenton Christian School Brickhouse Academy Sarasota Academy of the Arts SKY Academy Venice Sarasota Christian School St. Martha Catholic School
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Tutoring Spotlight 30 Kid Potential of Sarasota
education 10
Homework Survival Guide
As a kid did you enjoy doing your homework? Most kids dread it! With a little organization and these helpful tips, you might just be able to break the cycle of hating homework.
13
4 Fit Factors
Once you have decided what your child needs and what matters most, you are well on your way to making the right choice. The Four Fit Factors make it easy.
Chec k out our webs ite fo Cove r r Con test deta ils!
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parenting
ARE THEY ready? The appropriate age for a smartphone By Beth Winkle, Editor of Family Living Magazine
Rites of passage have certainly changed over the years. When I was growing up Sweet Sixteen parties, getting the keys to the car, Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras and high school graduation parties were the milestones. Today, the gateway to adulthood seems to be marked by one simple purchase: a smartphone. As children get smartphones at an ever-younger age (on average age 10), parents are fearful to open 4
GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
Pandora’s Box. At some point, parents will have to face the question of when to get their child a smartphone. The issue typically arises during elementary school, when other kids start carrying phones to school. THE PROS AND CONS • Parents can use smartphones as “electronic leashes” to track down their children • Kids can use educational apps to help with homework. They often find it a more engaging way to
learn. Students learn best in ways that makes them comfortable, and smartphones are intuitive tools for young people. • Smartphones provide unlimited access to the web – the good and the bad. The downsides include exposure to inappropriate content, child predators and online bullying. Children can be very naïve. Imagine a 7-year-old befriending Cutegirl15 on Instagram. They would be thrilled, but also be in danger. This makes some parents press the hold button on smartphone access.
• Online activities are permanent. Kids who are too young or immature to fully grasp this notion may end up leaving a negative digital footprint. This could hurt them later in life when they apply for college or a scholarship. • And last but not least ... too much smartphone use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. This means less time in nature and less time face-to-face socializing. So what is the answer? There are many factors to consider before you jump on the smartphone bandwagon. The child’s maturity level is key when considering smartphone access. Experts agree that in most cases, 12 or 13 is the earliest appropriate age. Typically around age 12 kids tend become more influenced by their peers. However, research is showing over 56% of kids between the ages 8-12 already have a smart phone. I think that age is going to trend even younger. Parents are getting tired of handing their smartphones to their kids to play with. The bottom line … no two kids are the same, and there’s no magic number. A kid’s age is not as important as their own responsibility or maturity level. As smartphones enter playgrounds, experts suggest to considering using a phone as a way to teach kids responsibility and promote independence. Having a phone is not a child’s right, but it’s an opportunity to use it to teach. Ask your child, ‘Do you really want this? ‘Then lets find a suitable way for you to work for it.’ PARENTAL CONTROLS One popular option is to start the child off with basic mobile devices, like feature phones that can only send text messages or place phone calls, and then you assess whether they can use those devices with responsibly. There are also some phone settings that can help keep children safe when they do get smartphones. For iPhones, Apple offers features that parents can enable or disable, including the ability to restrict the Safari browser from gaining access to adult content, and the ability to prevent apps from using cellular data. The iPhone’s parental controls live inside the Settings app in a menu labeled Restrictions. Android phones lack similar built-in parental control settings, though there are many apps in the Google Play App Store that let parents add in restrictions. Qustodio, lets parents monitor their children’s text messages, disable apps at certain times of day or even shut off a smartphone remotely. While that can be an aggressive approach to restricting a child’s smartphone, a parents job does not always make them popular. !
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
parenting
PARENTING practice 4 parenting mistakes a mom inadvertently made with her daughter By Kathryn Kvols, Author
I was at a friend’s house listening to her 9-year-old daughter play the piano. Her mother piped in and announced that she was going to play the other part of the duet. Her daughter raised her hand and said, “You are not included!” Mom reacted by
reprimanding, “That’s not nice. You shouldn’t talk to me like that.” As you can imagine, things didn’t go well from here. This all came down in less than 2 minutes. How did this mom get here? Here are 4 common mistakes parents make: 1. She didn’t ask permission to join in the duet. This is especially important for our strong willed children. Asking permission models respect and gives them an appropriate way for them to have control over their lives which makes it less likely they will need to get their power needs met inappropriately. 2. She took her daughter’s exclusion personally instead of seeing that her daughter wanted to share something special with me as her friend. 3. She reprimanded instead of empathizing. A simple,“Oh, I see, you would like to play the piece for my friend without me,”would have dissolved the tension that was mounting.
4. She hadn’t connected with her daughter in the several hours that I had been there. A lot of “misbehavior” is the result of not feeling connected. When you find yourself personally encountering a similar interaction with your child, I recommend resolving the issue at a time when there is no conflict. Either calmly have a conversation or role-play with your child a more acceptable way to politely tell you what they want. Parenting Practice: This week ask permission, don’t take things so personally, empathize, and connect with your kids. Parenting can be quite the challenge. It is always good to have new tools in your “parenting tool box.” Wanting more personal coaching and problem solving solutions? Look for a Redirecting Children’s Behavior Class in the area. The solutions can often be quite simple. For example, a 10 year-old boy kept repeating over and over in the car “I don’t want to go to school!” every morning on the way to school. After asking a series of pertinent questions, we determined that he actually did like school, he just felt anxious before getting there. So mom and I created a calming strategy that worked like a charm for him. !
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
7
health
THE SICK list 3 contagious ailments your child may encounter INFLUENZA Influenza, commonly known as flu, is an infectious respiratory illness. Fall sparks the onset of flu season; it typically peaks in late December to February and then may stretch into May. While seasonal flu and the common cold share many symptoms, a fever is almost always present with the flu and is less common in colds. The big thing that distinguishes between flu and a cold is that the kids will be really achy with the flu. Their legs will ache, their back will hurt, whereas you wouldn’t normally see that with a cold. And just the way they look. ‌ they just look sicker. Vaccination is the best method in preventing influenza each year. The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each new season in the fall. Children younger than 5, 8
GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
especially those younger than 2, and kids of any age with chronic health problems are at high risk of serious flu complications. Causes: Influenza is caused by viruses and spreads from person to person through coughs, sneezes and even talking. It is possible to contract it by touching a surface infected with the flu virus, then transmitting it to your mouth, nose or eyes, health experts say. The best way to stop the spread of influenza beyond getting a flu shot is by covering coughs and sneezes and consistent hand- washing
with soap and warm water. Those infected should stay at home at least 24 hours after the fever has gone. Symptoms: These include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and stuffy nose. Treatment: Antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of illness by one or two days, as well as prevent serious flu complications, such as pneumonia. Most of those who get influenza will recover within two weeks, but some will develop severe illness that requires hospitalization.
NOROVIRUS (and other stomach viruses) The highly contagious norovirus is by far the most common of the stomach viruses. It is often called the stomach flu, but it is not related to influenza. It takes only a small amount of norovirus particles to make someone sick, and people are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick to the first few days after they recover. The virus can spread quickly in enclosed places such as schools and day care centers, as well as cruise ships and nursing homes. Causes: Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach, intestines or both, known as acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually develop one to two days after exposure to the virus.
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Your Child’s Dental H me
Symptoms: The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Fever, headaches and body aches can also occur. Treatment: No specific medicine exists, and there is no vaccine for norovirus, the CDC says. It cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is a viral, not a bacterial, infection. The symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, so it’s important to make sure those who are sick drink plenty of water and rehydration fluids. HEAD LICE Head lice are small insects that live in human hair and feed on blood. Lice die quickly without feeding, so removing them from your child’s head is key. They glue their eggs, or “nits,” to hair, so these can’t be removed with simple brushing. Causes: Kids can give head lice to others when they touch heads or share combs, hats, headphones or other personal items.
Accepting New Patients
Symptoms: If you notice your child has a persistent, very itchy scalp, check for lice. Nits are usually found about a quarter of an inch from the scalp and stick to the hair, unlike dirt or dandruff. The most common places to find them are at the neckline and behind ears. Treatment: To get rid of head lice, you should comb your child’s hair with a specialized nit comb twice a day for two weeks (metal flea combs from pet stores work as well). Comb methodically and physically remove with your fingernails any nits that won’t comb out. Over-the-counter treatments with permethrin (Nix) and pyrethrin are available, or your pediatrician can prescribe treatments. !
Si McAninch, DDS, PA Pediatric Dentist
2711 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3535 www.drmcaninch.com www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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education
HOMEWORK survival guide Start the new year ready for success! By The Editors of Family Living Magazine
Helping your child with homework can be a fun learning experience or a minefield.
homework. It doesn’t matter what time you choose, just make a conscious choice with your child and try to stick to it.
Having a plan up front can help minimize stress and tears for your child and wear and tear on you! We got answers from Joan Rooney, VP of Instruction for www.Tutor.com.
place to do homework. It might be the kitchen table, a spot in their bedroom, if they prefer privacy or even the family room couch, if they want you to be nearby, but again, it’s good to have a routine in place.
What rules would you suggest setting up, right from the start?
How much help should a parent offer? Should you give your child the correct answer?
I suggest spending some time figuring out what works best for your child. Kids work better when they have some kind of routine, but the best routine isn’t the same for every student. Some kids do better right after school, rather than waiting till after dinner when they’re starting to fade. Other kids need to come home and decompress for a while before they can face their
It’s also a good idea to pick a
Keep the goal in mind! The goal is for your child to do the best she can to learn the material at hand and for you to preserve your relationship with your child. You don’t want to do all the problems or write the paper for your child, but it is fine to provide some information
to get them ‘unstuck’ and out of their frustration. However, if your child is not understanding the concept, you might write to the teacher to explain that your child worked on the assignment for a sufficient amount of time, but is not grasping the material. This is what the teacher needs to know. What do you do when your child gets frustrated? Keep an eye on frustration. You know your child’s tolerance level best. Some kids just want to get the work done; others need to break it up into smaller bites. You might set a time limit and then encourage your child to take a break. If this is your child’s style, make sure they start assignments early enough to have time to take those breaks. If your child is getting very frustrated and the hour is getting late, with your child’s permission, you can send a
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GULFCOAST
note on the homework and let the teacher know they you recommended that the student stop. Teaching kids to advocate for themselves is also teaching them another helpful skill.
Have Fun AT THE DENTIST!
Other tips?
Designed to delight & warmly engage children from 1-18 years old, Sarasota’s most modern & unique pediatric dental office will entertain & invite your kids to learn about their dental health!
Parents Welcome Back
DR. M&M AND DR. ELENA
If you’re a parent who gets overwhelmed, traditional in-person tutoring and tutoring centers are a great option for students who have serious learning challenges or need in-depth help and support. Talk to his/her teacher. They may be able to recommend a tutor. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$150 an hour and most tutors work with your child in your home for an hour or two each week for several months. ! 10
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(Note: “Teachers Domain”, a site created by the PBS, has a lot of great resources in various media formats: www.teachersdomain.org)
Besides songs, you might want to act out parts of history, or make a silly face that ‘clues’ your child that he is forgetting a letter when he is practicing for his spelling bee. Anything to keep the mood less stressful and more engaging!
Dr. M&M’s Mini Molars, Ages 1-3
SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
If your child isn’t getting it, try a different approach. Is your child a visual learner? Then try drawing a picture or diagram that communicates the idea. Does your child learn by hearing? Perhaps talking them through it will help, or find a video online with audio. Is your child having trouble memorizing a poem or all the prepositions? Try putting them to a song! At least, you’ll lighten the mood!
Now Accepting New Patients 3103 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota SmileWorksKids.com
245577
Ask your child to explain the information to you. This can be a great way to help your child organize her thoughts and you can offer gentle encouragement and ask additional questions to help them master the material.
THE SMILEWORKS DIFFERENCE
941.953.2111
S Yeatore O r R pe oun n d! Local Vegetables, Honeys, Jams and Jellies, Organic Items- Grassfed Beef, Wild Salmon, Free Range Eggs, Chicken and Pork, Raw Milk and Cheese!
Birthday Parties • Farm Tours for Schools!
Berry Festival! Fruitville Grove
Tons of fun for the whole family!
Featuring local strawberries and blueberries!
Free egg hunt for kids Saturdays at 1pm Pie eating contest Sundays at 1pm
Pony rides, face painting, food trucks, mini train rides, Crafters, games, rock wall, and the opportunity to hand feed or bottle feed our spring baby goats! Don’t forget to come hungry for our yummy Strawberry milkshakes and strawberry shortcakes!! You don’t want to miss this special annual event!
MARCH: 3 & 4, 10 &11, 17 & 18
FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKING
(941) 377-0896 • www.fruitvillegrove.com
7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (11/2 miles east of I-75, off exit 210) www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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education listings gulfcoast
Bradenton Christian School
(H-3)
3304 43rd Street W. | Bradenton 34209 941.792.5454 • www.bcspanthers.org
Grades:PreK - 12th Grade Enrollment: 714 Class Size: 1:18 Year Established: 1960 Affiliation: Christian
Brickhouse Academy
(K-10)
3552 Webber Street | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.7681 • www.brickhouse-academy.com
Grades: 6th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 40 Class Size: 1 :4 Year Established: 1992 Affiliation: Non - Denom.
The Gan at Temple Sinai
(K-11)
4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd. | Sarasota, FL 34231 941.926.9462 • www.thegansarasota.org
Grades: 15 months - 5 years old Enrollment: 60 Class Size: Varies Year Established: 2007 Affiliation: NAC - All faiths welcome
The Lily School for Child Development
(I-7)
350 Braden Ave | Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.7637 • www.easterseals-swfl.org
Grades: 6 weeks - 5 years old Summer Camp: 5 - 12 years old Enrollment: 94 Class Size: School - Varies Summer Camp - 25 per week Year Established: 2012 Affiliation: Non - Denom.
NewGate School
(L-11)
5237 Ashton Road | Sarasota, FL 34233 941.922.4949 • www.newgate.edu • Lic.# 58-51-00077
Grades: 18 month - 6th Grade Enrollment: 200 Class Size: Toddler - 1:6, Primary 1:12 Year Established: 1984 Affiliation: A Montessori - IB World School
NewGate School
(N-8)
5481 Communications Pkwy | Sarasota, FL 34240 941.222.0763 • www.newgate.edu • Lic.# 58-51-00077
Grades: 7th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 200 Class Size: Upper - 1:29 Year Established: 1984 Affiliation: A Montessori - IB World School
Out-of-Door-Academy 444 Reid Street | Siesta Key, FL 34242 941.349.3223 • www.oda.edu
Grades: PreK - 5th Grade Enrollment: 250 Class Size: 1: 16 Year Established: 1924 Affiliation: Non - Denom.
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
(I-11)
Out-of-Door-Academy
(M-7)
5950 Deer Drive | Sarasota, FL 34240 941.349.3223 • www.oda.edu
Grades: 6th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 500 Class Size: 1: 16 Year Established: 1924 Affiliation: Non - Denom.
Sea of Strengths
(N-8)
7313 International Pl, Suite 90 | Sarasota, FL 34240 941.538-6822 • www.sosaschool.com
Grades: 6th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 25 Class Size: 1: 8 Year Established: 2009 Affiliation: Non - Denom.
SKY Academy
(N-18)
705 Center Road | Venice, FL 34285 941.244.2626 • www.SKYattheY.com
Grades: 6th Grade - 8th Grade Enrollment: 250 Class Size: 1: 15 Year Established: 2001 Affiliation: Venice YMCA
SKY Academy
(O-20)
881 South River Road | Englewood, FL 34223 941.999.4775 www.SKYattheY.com
Grades: 6th Grade - 8th Grade Enrollment: 225 Class Size: 1: 15 Year Established: 2001 Affiliation: Englewood YMCA
St. Martha Catholic School
(L-9)
4380 Fruitville Road | Sarasota, FL 34232 941-953-4181 • www.stmarthaschool.net
Grades: PreK - 8th Grade Enrollment: 447 Class Size: Varies Year Established: 1950 Affiliation: Catholic Diocese of Venice, St. Martha Catholic Church
Charter School
Montessori School
PreSchool
Exceptional Education
Private School
Tutoring Center
education
HOW TO CHOOSE
the right
SCHOOL The “Four Fit Factors.”
Deciding what your child needs and what matters most are key steps in choosing a school with the best fit for your child. Your child is like no other, yet possesses so many qualities in common with others. Children’s bodies, minds, emotions and spirits combine to make unique individuals. This mix, affects the kind of environment in which each child learns best. So which qualities in your unique child, really matter for choosing a school? Which of your child’s features will help her learn and feel better in some schools - with certain teachers, peers, materials, and expected ways of learning - and worse in others? By taking the jumble of characteristics that define your child and funneling them down into a manageable set, you will be able to identify which school is right for your child.
3. SOCIAL ISSUES The “Four Fit Factors” are simply a way of sorting out your child’s many features in a way useful for identifying your school needs. The Fit Factors for children include: 1. WHAT YOUR CHILD LEARNS These are aspects of your child that affect what subjects and at what level of difficulty your child should be taught at school. These include your child’s basic learning capability and interests. 2. HOW YOUR CHILD LEARNS These are aspects of your child that affect how a school should teach and interact with your child both in and outside of the classroom. These include your child’s learning styles, motivation, physical and mental health challenges, behavior challenges, learning disabilities and disorders, and self-understanding.
This includes the need for social contact with particular friends from the child’s perspective. 4. PRACTICAL MATTERS This includes essential extracurricular activities that may be compelling choice factors for some children. Not every Fit Factor characteristic is important to matching every child to the right school. You’ll need to decide which ones are really important for your child. Most children will have only a small number of characteristics that are top priorities for selecting a school. Identify these, and you can focus on finding a truly Great Fit school for your child’s top needs. Add to this key questions about school academic quality, and you will be ready to pick a great school that fits. ! www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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941-361-6440
PUBLIC | SCHOOLS
www.sarasotacountyschools.net *stats are subject to change
Sarasota County is 1 of only 3 “A” Districts in Florida!
SARASOTA | VENICE
SARASOTA County Schools 52 Schools • 5,000 Employees • 43,000 Students ASHTON ELEMENTARY
PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY
SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY
Ashton Elementary is proud to represent the schools in Sarasota County and across Florida as a “State Recognized Model School” as noted by the Florida School Report, as well as a 5 Star, “A” rated school of Academic Excellence for students and teaching.
Phillippi Shores is the only elementary school in Sarasota County that offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). The program strives to develop internationally minded students who demonstrate the attributes of the learner profile.
On September 14, 1984, Southside Elementary School was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Southside is considered a Grade “A” school and is known for their outstanding arts programs.
941-361-6440
941-361-6424
941-361-6420
5110 Ashton Rd | Sarasota, FL
4747 S. Tamiami | Sarasota, FL
1901 Webber St | Sarasota, FL
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
FAMILY LIVING IS DISTRIBUTED IN BACKPACKS AT:
Island Village Montessori School
• Phillippi Shores Elementary
Lakeview Elementary School
• Ashton Elementary • Southside Elementary
Charter • Grades K-8 660 students • 13 student/teacher
Public • Grades K-5 575 students • 14 student/teacher Laurel Nokomis School Public • Grades PK-8
• Lakeview Elementary
1000 students • 13 student/teacher
• Tatum Ridge Elementary
Oak Park School Public • Grades K-12
*IN OFFICES:
101 students • 6 student/teacher
Alta Vista Elementary School
Phillippi Shores Elementary School
Public • Grades K-5
Public • Grades K-5
637 students • 13 student/teacher
727 students • 13 student/teacher
Ashton Elementary School
Pine View School
Public • Grades K-5
Public • Grades 2-12
834 students • 14 student/teacher
230 students • 17 student/teacher
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus
Sarasota Suncoast Academy
Public • Grades K-5
Charter • Grades K-5
596 students • 14 student/teacher
489 students • 15 student/teacher
Brentwood Elementary School
Southside Elementary School
Public • Grades PK-5
Public • Grades K-5
644 students • 13 student/teacher
778 students • 15 student/teacher
Tatum Ridge Elementary continues to maintain it’s excellence as they were once again rated an “A” school in the state of Florida. Their students performed exceptionally high in all academic areas!
Emma E. Booker Elementary School
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies
Public • Grades PK-5
Charter • Grades PK-8
519 students • 10 student/teacher
425 students • 16 student/teacher
Fruitville Elementary School
Tatum Ridge Elementary School
Public • Grades PK-5
Public • Grades K-5
(941) 316-8188
772 students • 11 student/teacher
695 students • 15 student/teacher
Garden Elementary School
Taylor Ranch Elementary School
Public • Grades K-5
Public • Grades PK-5
610 students • 15 student/teacher
625 students • 15 student/teacher
Gocio Elementary School
Tuttle Elementary School
Public • Grades K-5
Public • Grades K-5
700 students • 13 student/teacher
680 students • 12 student/teacher
Gulf Gate Elementary School
Venice Elementary School
Public • Grades PK-5
Public • Grades K-5
754 students • 15 student/teacher
602 students • 12 student/teacher
Imagine School at Palmer Ranch
Wilkinson Elementary School
Charter • Grades PK-8
Public • Grades PK-5
565 students
510 students • 13 student/teacher
TATUM RIDGE ELEMENTARY
4100 Tatum Rd | Sarasota, FL
LAKEVIEW ELEMENTARY Lakeview Elementary School receives a rating of 9, which is significantly higher than the average rating of 6 for elementary schools in Florida. The average number of students for elementary schools in Florida is 618, so Lakeview Elementary School at 600 is average-sized. The student to teacher ratio is 15:1, which is slightly lower than the Florida average.
941-361-6571 7299 Proctor Rd | Sarasota, FL
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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941-708-8770
PUBLIC | SCHOOLS
www.manateeschools.net *stats are subject to change
Braden River Elementary Students
PALMETTO | BRADENTON | LAKEWOOD RANCH
MANATEE County Schools Inspiring our Students to Learn, Dream and Achieve. Tara Elementary
Braden River Elementary
B.D. Gullet Elementary
This school’s mission is to develop each child’s potential by providing a nurturing and stimulating environment. Tara ‘s staff makes up the Knights Academy team and provides your child with homework assistance, enrichment activities, snacks and supervision in an educationally stimulating environment.
Braden River Elementary attains exceptional academic achievement from their students by providing a safe, positive, and highly engaging learning environment. They differentiate instruction, foster critical thinking skills, and the school community functions as a lifelong team of learners.
Test scores at this school are above the state average and are achieving even more academic progress than last year! Strong progress with high test scores means students have strong academic skills and the school is a doing an even better job at supporting academic growth than most other schools.
941-751-7660
941-751-7012
941-727-2067
6950 Linger Lodge Rd E. | Bradenton, FL
6125 River Club Blvd | Bradenton, FL
12125 44th Ave E. | Bradenton, FL
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
McNeal Elementary
Horizons Academy
Samoset Elementary School
Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Lakewood Ranch, FL. It has 769 students in grades PK, K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The school upholds higher expectations for their students and will support them by believing in their ability to master what first appears difficult.
Public • Grades PK-12
Public • Grades PK-5
82 students • 24 student/teacher
586 students • 13 student/teacher
Imagine Charter at Lakewood Ranch
St Stephen’s Episcopal School
Charter • Grades PK-8
Private • Grades PK-12
471 students
755 students • 9 student/teacher
IMG Academy
Private • Grades PK-4
941-751-8165
Private • Grades PK-12
9 student/teacher
6325 Lorraine Rd | Bradenton, FL
Unknown student/teacher
FAMILY LIVING IS DISTRIBUTED IN BACKPACKS AT:
Jessie P. Miller Elementary School
Private • Grades 1-11
Public • Grades PK-5
6 student/teacher
• Braden River Elementary
Manatee Elementary School
Private • Grades 3-12
Public • Grades PK-5
60 students • 13 student/teacher
• Tara Elementary • B.D. Gullet Elementary • McNeal Elementary *IN OFFICES: Ballard Elementary School Public • Grades PK-5 467 students • 12 student/teacher Bradenton Christian School Private • Grades PK-12 715 students • 12 student/teacher
Unknown student/teacher Sunshine Academy
Tabernacle Christian School
784 students • 16 student/teacher The Broach School
460 students • 14 student/teacher The Moore School Manatee School of Arts/Sciences
Private • Grades PK-2
Charter • Grades PK-6
5 student/teacher
133 students • 14 student/teacher West Coast Christian Academy Oneco Elementary School
Private • Grades K-8
Public • Grades PK-5
45 students • 6 student/teacher
529 students • 14 student/teacher Orange Ridge-Bullock Elementary School Public • Grades PK-5 687 students • 12 student/teacher
Community Christian School Private • Grades PK-12
Palma Sola Elementary School
336 students • 15 student/teacher
Public • Grades PK-5
kids health
591 students • 16 student/teacher
summer camps
Frances Wakeland Elementary School Public • Grades PK-5
Peace Lutheran School
570 students • 13 student/teacher
Private • Grades 1-8
private schools family fun
after school
10 student/teacher G.D. Rogers Garden Elementary School
Public • Grades K-5
Radebach School
211 students
Private • Grades PK-4
Unknown student/teacher
9 student/teacher
Gulfcoast Christian Academy
Robert H. Prine Elementary School
Private • Grades K-12
Public • Grades PK-5
34 students • 4 student/teacher
851 students • 14 student/teacher
H. S. Moody Elementary School
Saint Joseph Catholic School
Public • Grades PK-5
Private • Grades PK-8
638 students • 15 student/teacher
275 students • 12 student/teacher
all the
resources
you need are just a
click away! now featuring:
education www.floridafamilyliving.com www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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PRIVATE | SCHOOLS
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
EDUCATION
SARASOTA
NEWGATE School Cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
N
ewGate serves as the Lab School of the Montessori Foundation. As such, their goal is to embody the principles of best practice in Montessori education that the Foundation teaches to Montessori school leaders around the world. As many of you know, the Montessori Foundation literately ‘wrote the book’ on how to integrate Montessori principles into all aspects of school life, from an authentic Montessori program and curriculum at each age level, to building a partnership-based community, student leadership, and family-friendly policies. Montessori classrooms tend to fascinate both children and their parents. There are interest centers filled with intriguing learning materials, fascinating mathematical models, maps, charts, fossils, historical artifacts, computers, scientific apparatus and perhaps a small natural-science display. Classrooms are carefully prepared to stimulate children’s independence and intellectual development. You will not find rows of desks, even at the Upper School level; instead, the room will be set up to facilitate discussions and stimulate collaborative learning.
Fully Accredited and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program
At the Early Childhood and Elementary levels, students will typically be found scattered around the classrooms, working alone or with one or two others. They tend to become so involved in their work that visitors are immediately struck by the peaceful atmosphere. At the Upper School, many classes will involve seminar discussions, individual research, thoughtful writing, and field experience. Teachers focus on each student as an individual, not on a daily lesson plan for the entire class. The ultimate objective is to help students to learn how to learn things deeply and independently, holding on to the curiosity, creativity, and intelligence with which they were born. Teachers don’t simply present lessons; they are facilitators, mentors, coaches, and guides. l
941-922- 4949 www.newgate.edu 5237 Ashton Rd | Sarasota, Fl
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION | SCHOOLS
We are brain-based. We are project-based. We are multi-sensory.
We are PINNACLE.
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
EDUCATION
LAKEWOOD RANCH
PINNACLE Academy Empowering students who have language-based learning differences.
P
innacle is helping students to build a strong foundation in education every step of the way.
The elementary years are the backbone of a student’s educational foundation. The daily schedule consists of core subject areas and an intertwining of science, technology, engineering, art, and music (STEAM) to build a solid foundation for future learning. Lessons include incidental teaching in critical areas such as higher order thinking, complex vocabulary development, and problem-solving. Lessons are interactive and stimulate the senses-visual, auditory, kinesthetic-tactile. Their elementary curriculum is not focused on learning for memorization, but rather learning for application and mastery. At the heart of the elementary program is their dynamic language and literacy curriculum. Faculty is skillfully trained to lead lessons that target the five essential components of reading across all subjects. Daily lessons are built on the principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is regarded as the gold standard in language training. Student’s outcomes in reading development continually exceed expectations.
Providing students with the instruction, inspiration and opportunity to learn and achieve at their highest potential.
They recognize that the middle school years are filled with transition and maturation. Under the guidance of small classes and highly qualified teachers, students are prepared to face the rigors of learning within and across subjects. Social life is robust in the middle years. Students quickly establish bonds with peers who share similar interests. Extracurricular activities, Student Government, weekly Character Counts topics, and specific time allotted for study lab provides a comprehensive, whole-student approach to academic and social success. Their high school program is thoughtfully designed to prepare students for post-secondary life. The upper school years emphasize leadership, self discovery, and the importance of responsibility. Core subjects continue to be taught within the pedagogy of a multi-sensory approach. Executive function concepts are highlighted and extended into facilitated study labs. Advisory team guides students to explore individual interests and options and prepares them for post-secondary life in college or a career. Visit their campus to experience the difference that makes them who they are ‌ Pinnacle. l
941-755-1400 www.thepinnacleacademy.com 6215 Lorraine Rd | Bradenton, FL
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION | SCHOOLS
Easter Seals Academy Farms
SARASOTA
EASTER SEALS Southwest Florida Helping Abilities Shine.
E
aster Seals Southwest Florida began in 1946 as Happiness House, offering hope to children with disabilities and their families in the Sarasota-Manatee community. For the past 70 years, the services have changed and evolved in many ways to meet the needs of today’s population. Easter Seals offers an inclusive preschool (birth to 5years), an alternative high school program as well as wrap around services such as Respite Care and Therapy. Classrooms offer low student to teacher ratios and individualized education plans. Therapy services (OT, PT, Speech & Behavioral) are integrated as needed in the classroom and extended into the home with a parent education component . In lower grades, the core academic curriculum is complemented with Spanish, Art, Music and specialized curriculum for those with and without special needs. The upper grades (9th-12th) focus on pre-employment training and life
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
skills. Our curriculum incudes job shadowing rotations through business partners in the community to build skills, assess capability and explore career interest. Join us for our open house or contact us for a private tour. l Now Accepting 2017 – 2018 Enrollment Applications for preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade and 9th -12th Open House Date: January 16th 2017 5:30pm
EDUCATION
The Lily School for Child Development
They Offer: • FREE VPK • Preschool (6weeks -5 years) • Afterschool care (up to 12 years) • Specialized Reading • Integrated Therapies • Kindermusik Program • Creative Arts • Spanish
Providing exceptional services for persons with disabilities and their families across a lifetime by empowering individuals to live their lives to the fullest.
941.355.7637 www.easterseals-swfl.org 350 Braden Ave | Sarasota, Fl
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
23
PRIVATE | SCHOOLS
941-792-5454 www.bcspanthers.org 3304 43rd St W | Bradenton, FL
Bradenton Christian School - Bradenton | Florida
BRADENTON
BRADENTON Christian School Preparing the hearts and minds of God’s children.
B
radenton Christian School is Manatee County’s oldest and largest Christian school offering challenging academics based on God’s Word since 1960. BCS is a fully accredited independent and interdenominational school where spiritual development is considered critical to a student’s success. BCS teachers are committed Christian educators who have a heart and passion for students and teaching. Chapel services, prayer, and spiritual retreats serve to enhance students’ spiritual development. BCS serves over 840 students in preschool through grade 12. In the primary school, fundamentals, theme based study, and a full array of special classes are the building blocks to a sound foundation. Middle school students learn
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
in a new technology focused building with a challenging curriculum balanced with individual attention. High school students have an extensive offering of AP, college prep and elective class opportunities including art, foreign language, computer, engineering, PE and distance learning. In addition to challenging academics, BCS students have championship sports, music, fine arts, service clubs, worship team, honor societies, and academic clubs to choose from to enhance the educational experience. BCS strives to keep tuition affordable offering financial aid and accepting Step Up for Students and McKay Scholarships. Explore the immeasurable value of a Christian education through an open house or schedule a campus visit through the admissions office. l
www.brickhouse-academy.com 3552 Webber St | Sarasota, FL
A low student-teacher ratio school helps students succeed!
SARASOTA
BRICKHOUSE Academy
Brickhouse Academy Brickhouse Academy is the perfect school for any student who needs individualized guidance to achieve academic goals. Honors courses and SAT/ACT prep classes are available. Flexible programs fit the needs of just about every student.
B
In addition to the regular school day, they offer a complete high school curriculum in their afternoon program based on trimesters. Students can earn regular or honors credits in as little as 8-10 weeks. In addition, grade replacement courses are available.
The middle school is a safe place where students grow both academically and socially, in an individualized small classroom setting. Methods develop selfesteem, responsible decision-making, social conscience, time management skills and solid academics.
One-on-one tutoring is available in just about every subject, at every level. Tutoring can make all the difference in the world to a child struggling in school. Programs are designed to give everyone the skills and confidence they need. l
Quality education in a compassionate, flexible learning environment. rickhouse Academy is a small college preparatory school with a wealth of learning opportunities for students from 6th through 12th grade. Class sizes are small offering low student-to-teacher ratios. In some cases it is only 3:1. This individualized approach helps the students excel and succeed in school. Our flexible program and scheduling truly makes this school unique.
EDUCATION
941-924-7681
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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CHARTER | SCHOOLS
941-377-2278 www.sarasotaacademyofthearts.com 4466 Fruitville Rd | Sarasota, FL
Sarasota Academy of the Arts performance
SARASOTA
SARASOTA ACADEMY OF THE ARTS Thank you for voting us “Reader’s Choice” for Charter School!
S
SAA feels that their school offers an outstanding program that goes far beyond what is typically expected of schools within their age range. SAA believes that students gain from onstage performing experiences that could never come from a textbook SAA is performing arts based curriculum where students enjoy and partake in learning experiences outside the classroom. There are various opportunities for and as they perform they learn responsibility, self-confidence and a performing in the community and students can even enjoy being part of a full feeling of success. l length Broadway production.
arasota Academy of the Arts is a Performing and Visual Arts Sarasota County Public Charter School serving kindergarten through 8th grade. SAA has not only strong academics, but also features music, Spanish and computer technology. The highly regarded visual arts program allows students to excel to their fullest potential as they enjoy interacting in a small family atmosphere.
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
www.skyatthey.com 705 Center Rd | Venice, FL 881 S. River Rd | Englewood, FL
EDUCATION
941-244-2626
strength and knowledge at the YMCA.
VENICE/ENGLEWOOD
SKY ACADEMY VENICE & ENGLEWOOD Preparing for the Future.
S
KY Academy was established in 2011 as a free public charter middle
where students feel comfortable
school for students in southern Sarasota County. Enrollment has
and are held to a high standard to
grown from 300+ students that first year to more than 440 students with
meet and exceed their individual
two locations. They are backed by one of the nation’s most long standing
goals. In fact, readers of the
and respected nonprofit organizations, the YMCA.
Venice Gondolier have voted
SKY Academy is committed to building character through high academic standards and a focus on healthy living and social responsibility. They strive to prepare every student for high school and continued future success. Families and students love the family orientated environment
their school “Best Charter School” for the last five consecutive years! SKY Academy will help prepare your child for the future. l www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
27
PRIVATE | SCHOOLS
941-371-6481 www.sarasotachristian.org 5415 Bahia Vista St | Sarasota, FL
Honoring God by developing academic abilities.
SARASOTA
SARASOTA Christian School Igniting Minds. Infusing Faith.
S
arasota Christian School is committed to providing an excellent
advanced placement courses,
academic Christ-centered environment to help students discover
and focuses on STEM (Science,
their full potential and ignite a lifelong passion for learning and service.
Technology, Engineering and Math)
The school offers Pre-K through 12th grade education.
learning opportunities.
SCS students enjoy small class sizes and individualized attention from
Outside the classroom, students
accomplished Christian faculty. The school is fully-accredited to ensure
participate in a world-ranked
that academic standards and curriculum are among the best. To help
Odyssey of the Mind program,
prepare students to be pioneers in a rapidly changing world, SCS offers
athletics, music, drama and fine
an Accelerated College Education program, college dual enrollment and
arts programs. l
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
941-953-4181 www.stmarthaschool.net 4380 Fruitville Rd | Sarasota
EDUCATION
PRIVATE | SCHOOLS
Strength in Faith, Excellence in Knowledge, Character in Service.
SARASOTA
ST. MARTHA Catholic School Serving God and our community.
S
t. Martha Catholic School offers challenging academics to students in Pre-K through 8th Grade. In an effort to serve God and our community, students, staff and families of St. Martha Catholic School work together to maintain high academic standards, develop Christ-centered relationships, and provide stewardship to Sarasota and the surrounding areas. St. Martha Catholic School students have consistently performed in the top 20% across the nation year after year. All teachers are certified in their subject areas with all early childhood classes having a full or part time aide. STREAM is an interdisciplinary, standards-based curriculum model that integrates Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, The Arts, and Mathematics. From Pre-K through 8th Grade, the teachers at St. Martha Catholic School design units of study that challenge and empower students, creating an environment that encourages problem-solving, collaboration, student-led inquiry and hands-on
projects. A science lab, vegetable garden, prayer garden, open fields, and the Zazarino Center serve as dynamic learning spaces. Our Catholic faith is woven through all subjects and grade levels, promoting a culture of innovation and ethical action. St. Martha Catholic School is a leader in the integration of technology. Our classrooms are equipped with Active Boards and all students have access to 1:1 technology. Classes in grades 4-8 integrate digital, collaborative workspaces through the use of Google Classroom. In addition, students use Ozobots, Dot & Dash Coding, Virtual Reality, 3-D Computer Printing, and many other tech tools to learn coding and apply their learning creatively through digital design. l www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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rr O Offffee NG !!! e e W W IING! T T S S TTEE dd REEEEaarraanntteeee FFR G Guu essuullttss!! R Re
2477 Stickney Point Rd #303 B Sarasota, FL 34231
A better alternative to tutoring.
SARASOTA
KID Potential Learning Enhancement Center
D
• Increases reading levels up to 4 years in only 60 hours! • Science based program improves cognitive skills for students ages six to adult.
oes your child require tutoring year after year? We can help!
• Train the brain. Get smarter. Guaranteed.
We are one of 550 providers of a nationally researched pair of
• We make learning fun! l
programs called PACE and Master the Code. The goal of these programs is to build brain based learning skills. If skills weakness is a cause of your child’s learning struggle, tutoring alone cannot correct it. After completing PACE and Master the Code, a student has a permanently improved ability to perform independently, at school or work.
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GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
For free testing contact: Stacy Collins, Cognitive Trainer (941) 966-5654 (808) 744-2867 www.kidpotentialsarasota.com kidpotential@hotmail.com
marketplace EDITORS TIP
!10 ways parents can put their kids on track to be successful students.
Call 941.966.9791 or visit our website at www.sarasotacrew.org to see more information about our programs
343 Palmetto Ave | Osprey, FL • teamadmin@sarasotacrew.org
#1
... ATTEND THEIR BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT AND PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
#2
... VISIT THE SCHOOL AND IT’S WEBSITE
#3
... SUPPORT HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
#4
... SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL READY TO LEARN
#5
... TEACH ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
#6 #7
... TEACH STUDY SKILLS
... KNOW THE
DISCIPLINARY POLICIES
#8 #9
... GET INVOLVED
... TAKE ATTENDANCE SERIOUSLY
#10
... MAKE TIME TO TALK ABOUT SCHOOL
www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com
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The best camp on
the planet!
t n is no u F N Sun mp in a c t u o just ab e are a w , r e mm party the su y a d h t ir great b cial event e and sp d family an ! venue n days u f r e summ
Camp begins May 29th & ends on August 10th, 2018 b 10% off early registration until April 6th, 2018 b $225 a week plus $25 registration fee including two camp teeshirts.
b Breakfast, lunch, snacks, before and after care included.
b Pre-K camp 4-5 year olds b Camp for kids 6-13 *** Camp Sun N Fun will be closed the week of July 16th ***
32 941-371-2505 • www.sunnfunfl.com • 7125 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING