Education Information and Links
Ocala/Marion County's educational institutions are among the finest in Florida.
Leading the state in raising student performance, "The Vision," shows the direction public education in Marion County is heading. From the elementary level to college, Ocala/Marion County's educational institutions are among the finest in Florida.
Colleges and Universities
Public Schools
Marion County has 47 public elementary schools, nine middle schools, and seven high schools. The Marion County School Board also oversees two charter schools, one alternative education center, one exceptional student education school, and one community technical and adult education center. Marion County Public Schools is the largest employer in the county, with approximately 5,100 employees. See a listing of public schools.
The 2002-2003 school year projects 39,781 students, the largest enrollment prediction ever for the county. The projected budget for fiscal year 2003 is approximately $351 million.
State testing results for 2002 show Marion County has 58% more "A" and "B" graded schools and 48% fewer "C" and "D" schools over the previous year. Thanks to a new Continuous Improvement Model implemented in every classroom, these numbers should be even better in coming years. Community and parental involvement and support through school advisory councils, the public Education Foundation, and business partners form the backbone of Marion County Public Schools. School volunteers provide hundreds of hours of tutoring, clerical and classroom assistance and often receive local, state and even national recognition for their efforts.
Marion County Public Schools begins construction this year on a $35 million replacement school for Forest High School. Other capital improvements include classroom additions at North Marion High, East Marion Elementary, Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary, and Oakcrest Elementary, as well as safety renovations at North Marion Middle.
The 2001-2002 school year brought additional grades to the county's newest schools, West Port Middle and High Schools, which have received state and national attention for their school safety designs. Renovation or classroom additions have also been completed at Anthony, Eighth Street, and South Ocala Elementary Schools, Fort King Middle, and Hillcrest School (for special-needs students).
Marion County Public Schools offer a well-rounded curriculum with a strong emphasis on the basics as well as programs in the arts and physical education. High achievers may also choose foreign languages, advanced courses, and early entrance to Central Florida Community College.
Every child can learn given the proper time and resources. This statement summarizes the very foundation of our Continuous Improvement Model (CIM). Starting this year, all teachers are using this approach to assess every student in every classroom on a monthly, weekly, or more regular basis. Designed on a successful model program, the CIM uses common assessment methods to measure how much students are learning in a given time period. Students achieving at or above grade level can be provided additional lessons to achieve even more, while students below learning standards will be provided opportunities to bring them up to acceptable levels.
Magnet Schools
Younger students benefit from programs such as that at the Madison Street School of Basics Plus, and the Dr. N. H. Jones Academy, the county's two magnet elementary schools. At the middle school level, Howard Middle School's magnet program offers students an exceptional education opportunity in the arts and technology. Personalized instruction stresses excellence in math, science, language arts, and social studies as well as in fine arts, communications and technology.
Visit the Marion County Public Schools web site.
Specialized Student Programs
Marion County's only International Baccalaureate (IB) program conducts classes at Vanguard High School. A rigorous pre-university course of study, this program offers accelerated classes to meet the needs of the highly motivated secondary school student. Eighth graders apply for acceptance in their freshman year and can earn college credit hours while enrolled in high school. In addition to academic classes, IB students must also complete an independent research project and document 150 community service hours. The IB Program was created over 30 years ago as a common university entrance credential serving a consortium of nations. Marion County's IB Program is one of just 46 in all of Florida.
The Engineering and Manufacturing Institute of Technology at Forest High School combines honors-level high school academics with three of four years of computer-assisted drafting in a state-of-the-art facility. Open to 9th and 10th graders countywide, EMIT's unique curriculum is immersed in high-tech approaches preparing students for careers in drafting and design, engineering, architecture, or manufacturing processes. Problem-solving skills and mixed grade-level teaming provides leadership opportunities.
Students may attend one of several magnet school programs designed to meet their specific learning needs. Elementary students may apply to Dr. N.H. Jones Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology or the Madison Street School of Basics Plus, emphasizing academic excellence, fine arts and technology. Middle school students may apply to Howard Middle School to experience learning through technologies and the arts. With the completion of a theatre equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, West Port High offers Marion County's only visual and performing arts magnet program.
Over 7,300 students are involved in Marion County's Exceptional Student Education programs, including those with learning disabilities and/or physical challenges as well as those in gifted programs. All schools have ESE programs of differing degrees. Maplewood Elementary has the largest ESE population and offers dedicated classrooms to these students. At the conclusion of each school year, Maplewood showcases its Very Special Arts program, featuring works of art by some of these special students.
The Multimedia Technology and Communication Academy at Lake Weir High School incorporates vocational media training into general education classes. The program offers hands-on experience in a real-world setting to juniors and seniors pursuing media careers.
Applied Technology, Vocational & Career Education Programs target students entering the work force upon high school graduation. Professional, technical, and work-prep paths provide career development from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students learn about career opportunities based on their skills, likes and dislikes, and aptitude for many things. High school students may participate in hands-on learning opportunities based at community work sites for credit.
Community Technical & Adult Education provides academic opportunities through a wide variety of outstanding programs while serving as a primary provider of continuing education for business and industry. Courses include basic literacy, GED preparation and high school completion, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Technical course offerings include health occupations, cosmetology, construction trades, and business. An array of recreational and leisure courses are offered as well.
Private Schools
There are more than 30 private and parochial schools which offer a number of alternatives to public education. Student enrollment is approximately 3,000, but many administrators see the need for expansion. Several of the schools offer enrollment from kindergarten through 12th grade, while a majority of the others top out at eighth grade.
Special Schools and Services
Numerous special programs are offered, including the Hillcrest School for children with special needs; the Phoenix Center, an alternative middle and high school; the Howard Academy, which offers multiple resources for the use of teachers, students, and parents; and The Community, Technical, and Adult Education Center, a resource for training or educational needs.
The Marion County Children's Alliance was organized in 2000. Alliance services are focused on ensuring all children safe, healthy and nurturing environments in which to grow. By providing children and their parents or caregivers greater access to services and programs, their quality of life and our community will be improved.
Unique Learning Centers
The Silver River Museum and Environmental Center, located within the Silver River State Park, has been a success since the first class of fourth graders visited in November 1991.
A joint venture of the County schools, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Department of Natural Resources, the center helps students understand the county's rich historical and natural resources. Exhibits, hands-on activities and nature trails introduce students to Florida's Native Americans, the areas' prehistoric and present-day animals, and its natural resources and ecology. A new exhibit hall featuring artifacts from Florida and Marion County was added recently to the museum's offerings.
DOE School Ranking
Innovative programs, like the Silver River Center's, challenge and stimulate students, and the results are evident in national achievement test results. Marion County students test at or above national averages and receive a significant number of National Merit Scholarships. Marion County Schools are fully accredited and are administered by an elected superintendent and a five-member school board. The enrollment for the 1998-99 school year was 37,530 students, ranking the school system as the 15th largest in membership and fifth largest in area.
CFCC is a comprehensive community college. The student body encompasses approximately 3,800 students seeking degrees, 200 vocational students, and more than 3,200 students taking courses for their professional and personal development. Founded in 1957, CFCC serves Marion, Citrus, and Levy counties. The 140-acre Marion County campus, located on State Road 200, west of downtown Ocala, is a valuable community resource.
The College offers a wide range of pre-professional, or Associate in Arts degree programs. It also awards Associate of Science degrees which train students for entry-level positions in many areas of business and industry. The schools vocational program is recognized as one of the best in the state. Many CFCC students in credit or occupational certificate programs are able to go from college right into the work force. For additional information call 237-2111.
In addition, Webster University offers MBA and MA programs in Ocala on the CFCC campus. For more information call 352-861-9330.
A large number of Ocala/Marion County residents take advantage of the extensive array of non-credit courses offered by the College. Classes in the area of professional development include health occupations, marketing, insurance, real estate, computers, recreation, business, and day care. Other classes in the area of personal development are also available, as are programs for seniors, such as Elderhostel, and the Senior Institute.
Students and the community as well benefit from CFCC’s athletic program. The men’s and women’s basketball teams are top-ranked, and the college also fields winning baseball and softball teams. The school’s intramural program is extensive.
Rasmussen College's Ocala Campus was established in 2006 in an effort to meet the employment needs of the local community by providing specialized training in the computer, business, and medical fields. Fulfilling over a century of Rasmussen College tradition creating talented professionals in many fields, the Ocala, Florida campus equips students with advanced business skills. This creates amazing opportunities for our graduates. Call 352-629-1941 for information.
Webster University is a global university with over 100 campuses worldwide. Webster University's Ocala Metropolitan Campus offers seven Masters Degree Programs: MBA, Computer Resources and Information Management, Counseling, Health Services Management, Human Resources Management, Human Resources Development and Management. Classes are offered nights and Saturdays to accommodate the lifestyles of busy, working adults.
For more information about Webster University Ocala Metropolitan Campus please call (352) 861-9333 or visit our website*. Webster University has been a leader in adult education for over 35 years teaching "real knowledge for real world success."
Research facilities and opportunities to obtain bachelor and post-graduate degrees are less than an hour’s drive at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In addition, Marion County residents can take advantage of off-campus undergraduate and graduate courses offered by several other state and private universities.
For more information about this article, please contact:
Tamara Fleischhaker - VP Communication & Events
(352)629-8051 ext. 103
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