One section of the Sunshine State is making it easier than ever for parents to provide a bright future for their children. Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, the St. Lucie County School District boasts one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked programs in the state and is only continuing to grow. From virtual academies to higher-ed opportunities, the region is experiencing an education boom. This has not only provided more affordable options, but also is attracting families to St. Lucie County like never before. Let’s take a closer look.
Accessible Higher Education Opportunities
For college-bound students, Indian River State College (IRSC) has greatly enhanced access to higher education in the region. In 2022, IRSC introduced the Promise Program, a scholarship opportunity that provides tuition-free associate degrees for qualifying high school graduates in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. IRSC also helps high school students get a jump start on college, partnering with many public schools in the area to offer dual enrollment programs. This allows students to earn college credits and explore their interests before reaching higher education. IRSC features five campuses and over 100 career and technical-driven education programs, partnering with business and industry to provide top-level training ranging from Bloomberg Business finance to engineering, manufacturing, welding, automotive, early childhood development, nursing, education, criminal justice, and many others.
Top St. Lucie County Schools
With 52 schools and over 43,000 students, St. Lucie County offers a wealth of educational opportunities that’s only growing. Schools like Manatee Academy, Palm Pointe in Tradition, and St. Lucie West provide comprehensive K-8 curriculums, including advanced placement courses and diverse extracurricular activities. Fort Pierce Central High School excels in sports programs and college preparation. St. Lucie West Centennial High School offers a robust STEM program and strong community support. Lincoln Park Academy, a magnet school for middle and high school students, provides advanced educational tracks leading to industry certifications. The Mosaic Digital Academy, an “A” rated school since 2017, offers personalized K-12 virtual education with 24/7 online curriculum access and a range of virtual and live experiences to support holistic student development.
After-School Programs for Every Passion
Education in St. Lucie County, however, extends far beyond the traditional classroom, with after-school programs tailored to every interest and talent. For aspiring athletes, the county offers specialized sports programs with top-notch coaching and state-of-the-art facilities. TLAP Sports Academy provides elite basketball training for grades 6-12, while Rush Premier Sports offers instruction in tennis, golf, volleyball, and soccer. For dance enthusiasts, St. Lucie Dance Theatre provides a creative outlet for artistic expression, with classes in ballet, tap, hip-hop, and more. Additionally, Kid Space, a before and after-school program, provides a safe and exciting environment with martial arts classes, fitness activities, and ample playtime with friends.
Family Fun Right in the Neighborhood
Families also have the option to explore enrichment opportunities within their own community. Wylder, a new master-planned community in St. Lucie County, provides a variety of family-friendly activities for kids to enjoy after the school bell rings. The community’s inaugural neighborhood, Brystol at Wylder, has already welcomed its first home buyers and is making significant progress on constructing its resident-exclusive amenity center. Set to debut in fall 2024, this lakeside retreat will be the social hub of the neighborhood and has been thoughtfully designed to connect residents to each other and to nature. Residents will make a splash at the beach-entry pool, work up a sweat at the pickleball courts and sports fields or enjoy a festival on the event lawn. For younger children, endless hours of fun lie ahead at the playground, while four-legged friends can run wild at the dog park. Brystol residents will also enjoy community-wide recreation along Wylder’s lakes, pocket parks, and miles of interconnected sidewalks and multi-use paths throughout the community.
New Homes on the Wyld Side of St. Lucie County
Located between Glades Cut Off and Midway Road, Wylder fully embraces the beauty of its natural surroundings, with multiple unique neighborhoods designed for all stages of life. At Brystol at Wylder, builders Meritage Homes and Lennar are continuously releasing new move-in ready homes from the $300s to meet the community’s growing demand. Additionally, Glynlea Country Club, a gated golf club community featuring an 18-hole course designed by PGA Tour professional Jim Furyk, is also under construction. An active-adult neighborhood named K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wylder is also planned for the future.
To stay updated on the latest news about Wylder’s progress, be sure to register your interest at LiveWylder.com. You can also follow along on Facebook or Instagram to ensure you don’t miss out on any fun.
