In an inspiring episode of Port St. Lucie Talks, Dr. Jon Prince, Superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools, sat down with host Dash Hernandez to discuss the impressive advancements in the county’s public education system. As the driving force behind the district’s success, Dr. Prince highlighted key initiatives that have elevated St. Lucie schools to new heights and laid out an exciting vision for the future.
Rising Graduation Rates and Closing the Gap
One of the most significant accomplishments under Dr. Prince’s leadership has been the dramatic rise in graduation rates. When he first joined the district, the graduation rate was far below where it needed to be. Today, it stands at nearly 95%, a testament to his commitment to raising the bar for every student in the district.
“We’ve closed the gap between ethnic groups, and we’re proud to see Hispanic, Black, and White students graduating at the same rates,” Prince said. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that all students, regardless of background, are given the opportunities they deserve to succeed.”
Innovative Programs Preparing Students for Success
Dr. Prince introduced listeners to the Accelerated Math Program (AMP), an initiative designed to challenge students from a young age. AMP allows elementary school students to take on advanced coursework, which sets them on a fast track toward earning high school and college credits by the time they graduate.
“Students are staying engaged and excited about their learning because we’re providing them with challenges that match their potential,” said Prince. “These programs aren’t just about academic success; they’re about giving our students the head start they need to succeed in life.”
Partnering with Local Businesses for Workforce Readiness
St. Lucie County’s economy is growing, and Dr. Prince has ensured that St. Lucie Public Schools are playing a key role in that growth. By working closely with local businesses like Amazon and Cheney Brothers, the district has aligned its curriculum with the needs of the workforce. This means students graduating from St. Lucie Public Schools are prepared for in-demand careers right in their hometown.
“We’re building programs that help students enter high-demand fields like construction, plumbing, and even the space industry,” Prince explained. “Our goal is to make sure our students can find rewarding careers without needing to leave St. Lucie County.”
Future Growth: New Schools and Facilities
As the county continues to expand, the school district is making sure its infrastructure keeps pace. Dr. Prince spoke about the upcoming Legacy High School on Crosstown Parkway and several new K-8 schools planned for the Tradition area. These state-of-the-art schools will serve the growing population and provide students with cutting-edge learning environments.
“We’re building schools that will be ready to accommodate the rising number of families moving to St. Lucie,” Prince said. “We want our facilities to match the quality of education we’re providing.”
The Space Academy and Embracing AI in Education
Looking to the future, Dr. Prince shared exciting plans for a Space Academy that will prepare students for careers in Florida’s booming space industry. Additionally, the district is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance education by personalizing learning experiences and keeping students more engaged.
“AI is the next big leap in education, and we’re looking for ways to use it to benefit our students,” Prince remarked. “We’re not afraid of new technology—we’re embracing it to give our students every possible advantage.”
Engaging Parents and the Community
Throughout the interview, Dr. Prince emphasized the importance of parent engagement in a student’s academic success. To make it easier for parents to stay involved, the district is working on launching a mobile-friendly parent portal that will provide real-time updates on their child’s progress.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for parents to stay connected with their kids’ education,” said Prince. “When parents are engaged, students perform better, and that’s what we’re striving for.”
A Vision for Continued Success
Dr. Jon Prince’s leadership has clearly left an indelible mark on St. Lucie Public Schools. His focus on raising academic standards, preparing students for the workforce, and keeping up with the county’s growth has set the district on a path for long-term success. As St. Lucie County continues to thrive, Dr. Prince’s innovative approach to education will ensure that its schools remain among the best in Florida.
For the full interview with Dr. Jon Prince, visit the Port St. Lucie Talks podcast page.
