Discover Your Pathway to Excellence: Class of 2030 High School Preview Events!
Is your student graduating 8th grade in 2026—or are you simply exploring the outstanding opportunities available in Manatee County high schools?
Now is the perfect time to see everything our schools have to offer!
From STEM academies and world-class arts programs to career & technical pathways, honors and AP courses, athletics, student leadership, and more—Manatee County high schools are ready to help your student thrive.
Manatee County high schools are hosting special preview events and/or offering private campus tours leading up to School Choice Open Enrollment in early 2026.
Families will have the chance to:
-Meet teachers, administrators, and current students
-Explore academic and specialty programs
-Tour classrooms, labs, and performance spaces
-Learn about clubs, sports, and enrichment opportunities
-Ask questions and find the best fit for your student’s interests and goals
Whether your student is part of the Class of 2030 or is simply ready to discover their future, these events are designed to help every family make an informed and confident choice.
📅 Save the Dates:
Bayshore High School:
January 13, 2026 - Time TBA or To schedule a private tour, email Jessica Schaefer at schaeferj@manateeschools.net.
Braden River High School - 7:45-9AM
Wednesday, December 10th and Friday, December 12th
RSVP Required: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hucFNeoFeEepTiFu5FjLNEZBhOmgSP1DvlQ7k8xAioBUQURNMFJURTlKUkU1MURFQTBPOFhMSFBXNi4u&origin=QRCode&fbclid=IwY2xjawOkDyVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3RGFLWjJxWnlKbnZVMXZhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrtI1x4Zoe6sPApiUdcThUywLpw0ouxq743gJINmiBVgsyhYnEA9Opv5E-zG_aem_2rC9w-PzaxltutqzrWI__w
Lakewood Ranch High School - 6-8PM
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Manatee High School - 5:30-7PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Palmetto High School -
Private Tours Available
Email: Jennifer Little at littlej@manateeschools.net
Parrish Community High School -
TBA (Early 2026)
Southeast High School - 5:30-7:30PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Your student’s bright future starts here in Manatee County schools!
We join together to celebrate our graduated students, teachers, staff, families, and community members who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our freedom and strengthening our community.
Happy Veterans Day from the entire School District of Manatee County family! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Early Literacy Summit: A Powerful Day of Learning!
On Saturday, October 25th, the Elementary Curriculum Department hosted the Early Literacy Summit at Palmetto High School, bringing together more than 130 passionate Pre-K through 3rd grade educators from across the School District of Manatee County.
This inspiring event focused on building the foundational skills essential to student reading success, equipping teachers with tools and strategies to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
The summit began with an inspiring keynote session by Wiley Blevins, a renowned expert in phonics and fluency. Following the keynote, educators had the opportunity to choose from various breakout sessions covering topics such as dyslexia and interactive word walls.
Additionally, attendees participated in a community-sponsored giveaway, with prizes ranging from Bradenton Marauders tickets to educational books for their classrooms.
Check out photos from this extraordinary event! Let’s build strong readers—together! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Over the course of two weeks, students brainstormed, designed, and tested prototype trophies. There were highs and lows along the way—some of the early models even melted like spaghetti! But through trial, error, and persistence, the class produced a collection of creative, meaningful designs.
In the end, Miranda Herrera, a senior and President of Southeast’s Technology Student Association (TSA), had her design chosen by her peers to represent the project. She proudly presented the finished trophy to the Good News team in early October.
Several students stood out during the process:
Nicholas L., a senior, used CAD software and 3D modeling to craft his prototype. He plans to join the U.S. Marines after graduation and eventually study mechanical engineering. A motorcycle enthusiast, he dreams of designing engines one day.
Eli O., a senior, created a traditional-style trophy and had fun throughout the design process, which took an impressive seven hours to print.
David M., a junior who loves a challenge, is still exploring his future path but hopes it will involve engineering or marine mechanics.
Will W., also a junior, focused on creating a simple, clean design. He enjoyed the project for the way it expanded his knowledge of 3D printing. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him training with the Seminoles’ weightlifting team.
Aaron V., a junior and aspiring aerospace engineer, was proud of his design and grateful for the chance to sharpen his time management skills through the project.
This collaboration between the Southeast technology lab and the Good News team didn’t just produce a beautiful award—it showcased the creativity, resilience, and bright futures of Southeast’s talented students.
Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Manatee Education Foundation partnered with the District for the Good News Award of Excellence to recognize your incredible designs. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
This award was created to recognize the outstanding efforts of those who actively share the positive, everyday stories happening in our schools and worksites.
It also shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of our District students who design and create the award trophies, while inspiring others to amplify the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews around them.
Palmetto High School, under the leadership of Principal Monica DeLesline, has set the bar high. They submitted two joyful, creative stories celebrating connections between Palmetto High and well-known District administrators.
Thus were born:
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Ginger Collins (Southeast High)
🔸 The Travelin’ Badge of Dr. Guy Grimes (Johnson K-8)
In these fun, heartwarming stories, the administrators’ ID badges “traveled” around the campus of their alma mater with current Tigers' staff and students.
These playful posts didn’t just entertain; they sparked a wave of nostalgia, school pride, and connection across the community.
The response was awesome:
📱 130,000+ views on Facebook alone (Q1: Aug. 11-Oct. 10)
💬 A buzz that spread across schools and campuses throughout the District
Congratulations, Palmetto High School. Thank you for spreading the Good News with creativity, heart, and Tiger pride.
You've inspired us all to celebrate the everyday moments that make our District so special. Keep the Good News coming!
#GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
Thanks to SETV TV teacher Ricky Bowden and students for delivering this *BREAKING NEWS* from the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team! #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence
Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Gb4efokjm/
In just a few short weeks, Dr. Breslin has already begun building strong connections, listening closely to school communities, and championing the success of every student and staff member. Her commitment to excellence shines through in every conversation and decision.
As we look ahead, we’re excited about the vision, experience, and heart Dr. Breslin brings to our district. Please join us in celebrating this first month of leadership and welcoming the many great things still to come.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Lakewood Ranch High at Palmetto High
Scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Watch live at https://youtube.com/live/arA7hIPAkow?feature=share
Please join us this Sunday, October 5, 2025, at select Publix locations throughout Manatee County to help Stuff the Bus.
Together, by donating non-perishable food items, we can help feed those in need and fill the shelves for Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County. 🚌
✨ Watch MSTV's Stuff the Bus video: https://vimeo.com/1123574511
To volunteer or view a list of participating locations, please visit https://www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Palmetto High at Manatee High
Scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Watch live at this link: https://youtube.com/live/7nl4pKiPpeE?feature=share
We are thrilled to continue our celebration of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists with Benjamin Barr, a standout student from Palmetto High School!
He is among the top students in the nation and part of a select group representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors who earned this prestigious honor based on their exceptional PSAT scores.
Benjamin has big dreams of studying Mechanical Engineering and with his drive and determination, the sky’s the limit.
👏 Congratulations, Benjamin. We can’t wait to see what your future holds. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Join us for a free FAFSA Information Workshop designed to guide families through the process of applying for financial aid.
📅 Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Manatee Technical College - 6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton 34203
During this workshop, you'll learn:
✅ What the FAFSA is and why it’s important
✅ Key deadlines and documents you’ll need
✅ Where to get help if you need it
