Legacy High School in Port St. Lucie has officially started accepting enrollment applications, opening its doors to students from within and beyond the boundaries of St. Lucie County. This initiative forms a pivotal part of the St. Lucie Public Schools’ strategy to manage a burgeoning student population.
Rising Student Numbers Drive Expansion
In the 2021-2022 academic year, St. Lucie Public Schools recorded 43,612 enrolled students. The following year saw an increase of over 2,000 students, which pushed the capacity of existing schools, particularly in West Port St. Lucie, to their limits. This significant rise necessitated the establishment of Legacy High School.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Helen Wild highlighted the critical nature of the new school’s opening, scheduled for August. “Our schools, especially in West Port St. Lucie, are all at or near capacity,” she remarked, emphasizing the pressing demand for additional space.
Flexible Options for Transitioning Students
Students entering the 10th and 11th grades are presented with the option to remain at their current schools or transfer to Legacy High School if it proves more convenient. Dr. Wild stated, “Students moving into 10th and 11th grade, who are currently attending our other high schools, have the option to remain at their current school or transfer to Legacy, which is closer to home.” This flexibility is valued by families, allowing students to maintain established friendships.
Cindy Chaplin, a local guardian, expressed her appreciation for this choice, saying her granddaughter wishes to continue with her friends, “She’s made friends here now, and she wants to go through high school with those friends, so let her go to the same school.”
Prioritizing Local Students Amid Open Enrollment
While Legacy High School welcomes students from other counties, Dr. Wild assured that local students within St. Lucie County would receive enrollment priority. The strategic position of Legacy High School and Port St. Lucie High School near the county border supports this expanded accessibility.
New Educational Programs and Future Growth
Legacy High School is also preparing to introduce new educational programs, including a course for dental assistants, broadening the academic opportunities for its students. Looking ahead, the district plans to build a new K-8 school by 2026, just a mile from Legacy High School, further demonstrating St. Lucie County’s proactive approach to accommodating its growing population.
The creation of Legacy High School and the anticipated K-8 school underscore St. Lucie County’s ongoing commitment to addressing the educational demands of its expanding community, equipping it to embrace future generations of students.
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