Schools, Parks &
Family Life on the Gulf Coast.
When you are moving a family, schools are the number one priority. Here is what you need to know about education, parks, sports, and family activities in each community.
Two Top-Rated Districts.
All five communities are served by either Sarasota County Schools or Manatee County Schools — both highly rated districts with strong academic programs, award-winning teachers, and excellent extracurricular offerings.
Ranked among the top school districts in Florida. IB programs at Sarasota High and Venice High. Advanced Placement, AICE, and dual enrollment options. Strong arts and music programs.
Diverse programs including magnet schools, career academies, and exceptional student education. Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High are consistently top performers. Strong athletic programs.
Where Will Your Child Go to School?
Sarasota
Phillippi Shores Elementary, Southside Elementary, Booker Middle, Riverview High (A-rated, IB program), Sarasota High, Pine View School (consistently ranked #1 in Florida).
Out-of-Door Academy, Cardinal Mooney High, Sarasota Christian School, The New Gate School (Montessori).
Venice
Garden Elementary, Venice Elementary, Venice Middle, Venice Senior High (A-rated, IB program). All well-regarded in the district.
Venice Christian School, Epiphany Cathedral School (K-8).
Osprey
Laurel Nokomis Elementary, Sarasota Middle, Venice Senior High. This feeder pattern is popular with families seeking the Venice High IB program.
Several Montessori and faith-based preschools nearby in Sarasota.
Nokomis
Laurel Nokomis Elementary, Sarasota Middle, Venice Senior High. Same feeder pattern as Osprey.
Nearby private options in Venice and Sarasota.
Bradenton
Rowlett Academy (A-rated K-8), Braden River Elementary/Middle/High, Lakewood Ranch High, Haile Middle, Bayshore High.
St. Stephen's Episcopal School, Bradenton Christian School, Manatee School for the Arts (charter).
Where Families
Play Together.
The Gulf Coast is a paradise for active families. Here are standout parks, family attractions, and youth programs across the region.
Nathan Benderson Park (outdoor sports complex with rowing, walking trails, playgrounds), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Bay Park (new downtown waterfront park), Myakka River State Park, Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
Venice Municipal Tennis Center, Venetian Waterway Park (10+ mile paved trail along the Intracoastal), Humphris Park, Brohard Paw Park (dog beach), Venice Area Aquatic Center.
Oscar Scherer State Park (hiking, biking, kayaking, wildlife viewing), Legacy Trail access point, historic Spanish Point, Blackburn Point Park (kayak launch).
Nokomis Beach Park, Casey Key Fishing Pier, Nokomis Community Park (baseball fields, basketball courts, playground), Jetty area for fishing.
Robinson Preserve (kayaking, paddleboarding, 3-mile trail network), Riverwalk (splash pad, playground, skate park), LECOM Park (Pirates spring training), Bishop Museum of Science & Nature.
Keeping Kids Active & Engaged.
From youth soccer and baseball to sailing and robotics, Gulf Coast communities offer exceptional extracurricular opportunities for kids of all ages.
Youth Sports Leagues
Sarasota FC (soccer), Gulf Coast Little League, Sarasota Youth Lacrosse, Venice Vikings football & cheer, Manatee Eagles youth sports.
Aquatics
Sarasota YMCA Sharks swim team, Venice Area Aquatic Center, youth sailing at Sarasota Sailing Squadron, paddleboard/kayak camps.
Performing Arts
Sarasota Youth Theatre, Venice Theatre youth programs, Florida Studio Theatre youth, Sarasota Ballet Academy, Boys & Girls Clubs arts programs.
STEM & Enrichment
Mote Marine Laboratory summer camps, Bishop Museum science programs, robotics clubs at area schools, Sarasota County libraries maker programs.
Let's Find the Right
School for Your Family.
School zones and feeder patterns can determine which house you buy. I can help you find a home in the right catchment area for the schools you want.