Sarasota County Schools and the University of South Florida College of Education are pleased to announce their latest partnership in the form of innovative programming at the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Brookside Middle School will become the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside (GCA) and serve as a district-wide middle school magnet offering advanced and rigorous coursework delivered through hands-on learning. This reimagining is a component of the school district’s Future Focused Strategic Initiative, a long-range plan designed to expand educational opportunities for students in Sarasota County.
“I am truly excited for our students to experience this innovative learning environment firsthand,” said Terry Connor, superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “Our district is fortunate to have community partners like the University of South Florida College of Education who see the value of investing in student success at a young age. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact that GCA will have on our students’ futures.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Sarasota County Schools on this program to open new doors for students,” said Jenifer Jasinski Schneider, interim dean of the USF College of Education. “The Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside will immerse students in hands-on, rigorous STEM learning at a pivotal stage in their development—sparking curiosity, strengthening problem-solving skills, and preparing them to see themselves as the next generation of innovators, creators and leaders.”
GCA’s special focus areas will include artificial intelligence, cyber-security, game development, information technology, marine sciences, robotics, and more. Students will apply high-level academic concepts throughout all fields of study to build a solid foundation across multiple disciplines. Through field experiences, collaboration, and mentorship with ambassadors from the University of South Florida College of Education, GCA students will build critical skills and industry connections as they pursue coursework and activities designed to prepare them for their potential future careers.
“Our students will have a decidedly early and strong advantage in the technology space,” noted Lindsay Gallof, principal of the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside. “The district’s curriculum team and our programmatic partners at the University of South Florida College of Education poured their collective expertise into this coursework. From classrooms that model real-world environments to clubs that expand on existing specialized skills, our students will be immersed in these exciting fields from day one.”
How to Apply to GCA: Families interested in enrolling their child at the Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside are encouraged to apply using the Magnet Application in the Focus Parent Portal. There is a limit of 250 seats for incoming sixth grade students. Families new to Sarasota County Schools must first create a Focus Parent Portal account and complete the New Student Registration form before accessing the magnet application.