Indian River County School District is considering transforming one of its elementary schools into a new magnet school educational model and wants to hear your feedback.
The district wants to maximize enrollment and said there is demand for a school with a classical education model.
Currently, Indian River County has three magnet elementary schools and is looking to create a fourth in the northern part of the county to meet a community need. And it could have a very different style of teaching and learning.
“I think a lot of kids struggle with the basics (math, reading, writing) and either don’t graduate or do and their skills are terrible,” said grandfather Gary Coleman.
Coleman likes the idea of going back to basics in the classroom.
Indian River County School District is looking to convert one of its current elementary schools into a specialized school, potentially with a classical education curriculum.
“We’ll look at our campuses in the north. We have some that don’t have enough enrollment,” said Superintendent Dr. David Moore. “The goal here is to provide options for our community to maximize the opportunity our children have to attend quality schools.”
Moore said the classical style is one of the fastest-growing educational options but isn’t offered in the district’s traditional schools. He said it isn’t based on politics or religion but focuses less on technology, while still meeting state standards.
“You go back and look at how we were educated in the past. Very routine systems, direct instruction, reading classic novels all day, classic literature, a lot of individual memorization,” said Moore.
The transition wouldn’t happen overnight. A gradual approach would start with kindergarten at the selected location in the 2025-26 school year.
A survey on the school district’s website is measuring parents’ interest.
“A magnet school has no boundaries it serves,” said Moore. “It serves the entire community, and transportation is limited to depot stops. So there isn’t as much transportation.”
Mom Jennifer Pippin sees the value in the classical education style and tries to bring more students back to the district.
“Having more options for kids and families—it may not be for everyone, but it will be for some—and filling those spots with that classical education model,” said Pippin.
“It’s the old style,” said Coleman. “It worked for me. It worked for all of us and for you, I’m sure. There’s nothing wrong with it!”
That survey will remain open until April 22, then the Indian River County School Board will discuss how to move forward and which educational model is preferred at its June meeting.
Image: Wflx
