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An Educational Horizon For Our Children’s FutureHeard frequently from newcomers to the area is the belief that their children can get an equal or better education than from whence they came, and with far fewer overall problems in the process. Admittedly, Highlands County can still be classified as “rural” in many aspects; however, the quality of education is anything but rural. It is likely that this “rural” atmosphere is what makes many newcomers as well as long-time residents glad to be a part of this less than hectic and not too fast paced place to live, work and attend school. Indeed, while no more perfect than any high quality public school system in America, the effort put forth by the Highlands County School Board to provide a quality educational experience for the young people of the community is complemented by teachers who care and parents who are involved with their children and the school. It is a mix that many teachers, administrators, parents and students work hard to achieve, and of which they are justly proud. Technological AdvancesThe Superintendent of Schools reports that much of the past dozen years has been devoted to expanding technology in area schools. During this period, over $1,000,000 of the school system budget has been invested in new computer hardware, software and other learning tools in primary and secondary schools. With a ratio of one computer for every six children and improving, an aggressive campaign has successfully ensured that the media center in each school provides supervised Internet access, thus offering an opportunity for children to explore the Worldwide Web. As the largest single employer in Highlands County, with salaries commanding slightly less than half of the $97 million budget, the school district’s emphasis on technology has already begun to transform how children are educated for the future. Highway to AchievementAll public elementary and secondary schools in Highlands County are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. An average class size for kindergarten through third grade is just slightly more than 21 students per teacher, increasing to 22 students per teacher from the fourth grade on. Children in the Highlands County School System score above the national average.
Yielding a Good EducationThroughout the school district, several approaches to instruction are employed, including the traditional approach, individualized approach, whole language, cooperative learning, phonics and technology. Curriculum at the elementary level is designed to develop skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, physical education and computer literacy. Secondary schools house exceptional media centers, technology laboratories and production studios, and offer foreign language, fine arts and vocational opportunities. An externship and internship program partners students with area professionals in their business or office, thereby allowing career exploration at an early age. A variety of extracurricular activities provide additional experiences that support the total education program. Driven to SucceedLocal schools offer a variety of services aimed at a broad spectrum of users, including: • Honors Classes, as well as gifted programs for academically talented students. Dropout prevention programs at all academic levels, including an alternative school for middle grades. • Dual Enrollment Classes, so high school students can simultaneously take college level classes at South Florida Community College. • Tech Prep Programs in partnership with South Florida Community College, integrating academic and technical curricula which allows students to meet graduation requirements while developing technical skills in specific areas. • Exceptional Student Education (ESE), for those with special talents or disabilities that require specially designed teaching strategies to meet unique individual needs. • Pre-Kindergarten Early Intervention Programs contracted through qualified local childcare centers, most of which are accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. • Migrant Early Childhood Programs, which provide pre-school readiness activities for those whose parents are actively working in agriculture. Also offered are Supplemental Health services to migrant students, as well as after school Tutorial Programs for students requiring additional instruction and assistance in grades three through eight. An Advanced Placement Program for high school students provides an additional means for outstanding scholars to be considered by a broader spectrum of top colleges and universities. |
