St. Lucie County school growth continues to accelerate, prompting district officials to expand facilities and construct new schools to accommodate increasing student enrollment. With approximately 1,500 new students joining each year, existing schools are reaching maximum capacity, leading to significant infrastructure investments.

Rapid Enrollment Drives New School Construction in St. Lucie County

St. Lucie Public Schools recently broke ground on a new elementary school, one of three major educational facilities scheduled to open within the next two years. Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince emphasized the urgency of addressing the district’s rapid growth.

“The bottom line is we’re busting at the seams here in St. Lucie County with our public schools,” said Prince during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Western Grove K-8 School Set to Open in Tradition

Located in the rapidly developing Tradition area, the new Western Grove K-8 school is designed to ease overcrowding. The $70 million state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed within a year and will open its doors to students in 2026.

“It’s going to be done in one year. That’s absolutely crazy,” Prince remarked, highlighting the ambitious timeline for the project.

Legacy High School to Accommodate Growing Student Population

To further manage St. Lucie County school growth, the district is preparing to open the new Legacy High School this August. The high school is designed to accommodate over 2,000 students, though initial enrollment will be capped at 1,600, as the school will not have a senior class in its first year.

Todd Smith, principal of Legacy High School, explained the school’s focus on meeting the diverse needs of incoming students from both within and outside the county.

“We have to make sure they feel welcome at our school, that they feel attended to, that we meet their needs, and we feel very confident that we will be able to do that for all of our students,” Smith stated.

Career-Focused Programs at Legacy High School

Legacy High School will offer specialized programs in health science, hospitality, tourism, dental studies, and exercise science. These programs aim to prepare students for local career opportunities and support regional economic growth.

“We are going to have all of those programs on campus so that we can grow our own and prepare them,” Smith added.

Fort Pierce Westwood High School Undergoes Major Renovation

In addition to new school construction, the district is undertaking significant renovations at Fort Pierce Westwood High School. Originally established in 1977, the school is being completely rebuilt to serve approximately 2,000 students.

David Alfonso, principal of Fort Pierce Westwood, noted the importance of modernizing educational facilities to maintain high educational standards.

“This is a replacement school, so basically the same number of kids—we have it rated for this, so we are looking at about 2,000 students,” Alfonso explained.

District Commitment to Quality Education Amid Growth

Superintendent Prince underscored the district’s commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for new and existing families in the county. The district currently serves 45,661 students and continues to experience substantial annual enrollment increases.

“We want to make sure we provide educational opportunities for families moving here,” Prince said. “But not just that, we’re keeping all of our campuses well maintained because every child deserves a first-class education.”

The new Fort Pierce Westwood High School is scheduled to open after winter break next year, Legacy High School will open this fall, and Western Grove K-8 is slated for completion in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County School Growth

What is causing the rapid school growth in St. Lucie County?

St. Lucie County is experiencing rapid school growth due to increasing population and new families moving into the area. This growth adds approximately 1,500 new students each year, leading to overcrowded schools. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the county has seen a steady rise in population, driving the need for expanded educational infrastructure.

How much will the new Western Grove K-8 school cost?

The Western Grove K-8 school in Tradition will cost approximately $70 million. It is a state-of-the-art facility designed to address overcrowding issues in local schools.

Are there other new schools planned in St. Lucie County?

Yes, besides Western Grove K-8, the district is also opening Legacy High School and renovating Fort Pierce Westwood High School. These projects aim to accommodate the growing student population.

Can students from outside St. Lucie County attend Legacy High School?

Yes, Legacy High School is designed to welcome students from both within and outside St. Lucie County. The school will initially cap enrollment at 1,600 students in its first year.

Where are the new schools located in St. Lucie County?

Western Grove K-8 is located in the Tradition area, while Legacy High School and Fort Pierce Westwood High School are located within St. Lucie County, serving students throughout the region. The Florida Department of Education continues to support school expansions to meet the needs of the growing student population.

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