5 Reasons to Love Living in North Port: Our Schools
Published on August 11, 2026
In this weekly five-part series, I’m highlighting five of the many reasons people choose to call North Port home. From education and local businesses to our natural environment, quality of life and the dedicated public servants who make it all possible, these are the amenities, investments and people that help our city prosper.
One of the greatest investments any community can make is in its children.
This month marks an exciting milestone for North Port and our entire region with the opening of Wellen Park High School. As its first class of students walk the halls Monday, it will be the start of an investment in new opportunities for our future leaders and the long-term success of our community.
As one of the fastest-growing areas in Florida, North Port continues to welcome new families every day. Great schools matter to those families. They influence where people choose to live, where businesses choose to invest and how communities grow. That's why the continued commitment of Sarasota County Schools to providing high-quality educational opportunities is something we can all celebrate.
Wellen Park High School was designed with the future in mind. The 81-acre campus features modern classrooms, advanced learning labs, career and technical education spaces, performing arts facilities and a full athletic complex. More importantly, it was built to help students discover their passions, prepare for college or careers and develop the skills they'll need in a rapidly changing world. I know that these Eagles will soar under the guidance of Principal Mark Grossenbacher.
The opening of this school – Sarasota County’s first new high school in 25 years - also reflects thoughtful planning. It helps accommodate the tremendous growth occurring throughout south Sarasota County while providing additional capacity for students from North Port, Venice and Englewood. At the same time, Sarasota County Schools continues to fund improvements at North Port High School, ensuring students across our community benefit from modern learning environments and expanded opportunities.
These investments build upon something our community already enjoys: one of Florida's highest-performing public school systems. Sarasota County Schools recently earned an A rating from the State of Florida for the 23rd consecutive year, reflecting the hard work of educators, administrators, support staff, students and families across the district. The district also saw a 32-point increase in its overall score within the state’s accountability system compared to last year. That commitment to excellence, coupled with the leadership of the School Board and Superintendent Terry Connor, strengthens our quality of life and gives families confidence that their children can receive an outstanding education close to home.
Our educational opportunities extend well beyond traditional public schools. North Port families also benefit from exceptional charter schools, private schools and specialized learning options that provide choices to meet a variety of student needs. This diversity helps ensure every child can thrive.
Education doesn't stop at high school, either. Suncoast Technical College's North Port campus continues to prepare students and adult learners for rewarding careers in health care, manufacturing, skilled trades and other high-demand industries. Planned expansion of the campus will further strengthen workforce training opportunities, helping local employers find the skilled talent they need while allowing more residents to build successful careers right here at home. That connection between education and economic opportunity benefits our entire community.
Outstanding schools create stronger neighborhoods, attract employers, increase property values and help shape the next generation of leaders. It’s imperative that we create opportunities for our students to succeed. The City is proud to partner with Sarasota County Schools for initiatives like the upcoming “You Are Not Alone: Protecting Our Children” event from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Morgan Family Community Center. Together, we are committed to ensuring our schools remain safe places where kids can flourish.
When people ask what makes North Port such a special place to live, our schools are always near the top of the list. They represent hope, opportunity and a shared belief that investing in our children is one of the best investments we can make.
Next week, we'll continue our "5 Reasons to Love Living in North Port" series by highlighting another key ingredient in our city’s success: our growing and diverse business community.
Jerome Fletcher is the North Port City Manager. He can be reached atjfletcher@NorthPortFL.gov.