Dear Alta Vista team members & families,
I wanted to share an exciting update in the life of our school community. For those who may not have heard, the Sarasota County School Board voted last week to approve the Future Focused Strategic Initiative. For more information about the Future Focused Strategic Initiative, please visit: www.sarasotacountyschools.net/page/futurefocused.
The Future Focused Strategic Initiative is a districtwide plan designed to update school programs and better utilize district campuses and facilities. Thank you to those who participated in the school district’s Parent & Family Interest Survey, as well as the recent community meetings. Your insights were a key factor throughout the planning process. As a result, we are one of several schools that will see changes soon in anticipation of the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
Alta Vista Elementary will be reimagined as a K–8 school through a phased roll-up over the next three years. We will be welcoming 6th grade students next school year (2026-2027); 7th grade students the following year (2027-2028); and 8th grade students in the final expansion year (2028-2029). The K–8 model offers students, families, and communities a continuous and stable learning environment from early childhood through adolescence. Due to fewer points of transition, students experience stronger relationships with teachers, greater academic consistency, and improved development. Research shows that K–8 students often maintain higher academic achievement and engagement through the continuity of instruction and expectations.
Alta Vista will also introduce innovative STEAM-focused programming, providing hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities that reflect community interest and workforce relevance. We will continue to place a strong emphasis on superior quality instruction, value the richness of diversity, and hold high academic and behavioral expectations for all. To ensure student success, we are dedicated to using research-based instructional practices and specialized curriculum designed to meet individual learning needs of students throughout each learning experience.
The involvement of our community, families, and business partners is an integral part of our overall team, which undoubtedly translates into increased levels of success for our students! If you have not done so already, I strongly encourage every family to get involved in a meaningful way in their child's educational experience. We welcome and need your involvement and support as we strive to help each child reach their fullest potential. Working together, we will ensure that our Eagles continue to soar to great heights of academic and personal development. We are honored to be your partner in learning and thank you for your continued trust and support!
Sincerely,
Principal Meredith McArthur
Alta Vista Elementary School
