OCALA, FL (352today.com) – When Marion County students head to class on Thursday, they’ll have the distinction of being part of what’s expected to be the largest enrollment in Marion County Public Schools’ 154-year history.
The school system sent out a release on Wednesday stating the projected enrollment is the highest ever – an estimated 44,487 students. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Elementary: 20,620
- Middle: 10,221
- High: 13,225
- Special Learning Centers: 421
MCPS says bus transportation is always a major challenge. To put it in perspective, they say Marion County is geographically larger than the state of Rhode Island. The district says it will run 254 bus routes on opening day, 16 more than last year with an average daily ridership around 22,500.
More than 300 new teachers will be welcoming students into the classroom this week.
Also new this year, MCPS says they’re launching a new aviation program at Sparr Elementary School and a new equine industry program at Reddick-Collier Elementary School. Meanwhile, Lake Weir High School is offering the International Cambridge Program for the first time.
MCPS says it’s emphasizing daily attendance at school this year with a special attendance campaign kicking off in September. “Showing Up Together!” will educate students, families, and the community about the importance of being on time, every day, so students maximize their learning.
To get your kids to class on time, here are starting bell times for this school year:
- East Marion Elementary (7:50 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Emerald Shores Elementary (7:45 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
- Dunnellon Middle (9:10 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.)
- Lake Weir Middle (8:35 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.)
- Belleview High (9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.)
- Marion Technical Institute (7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.)