Public & Private
Schools

The Sarasota County public school system at all levels is committed to preparing young people for lives and careers that will keep pace with today's rapidly changing world. Seven schools serve the greater Venice area, four elementary (kindergarten through 5th grade), two middle schools (grades 6 through 8), and Venice High School (grades 9 through 12). The Pine View Program for the Gifted, which enrolled 1,400 students in 1994.

Students may also enroll in the public schools' gifted programs and the exceptional student education (ESE) program. The Ideal School offers a work oriented course with on the job training.

The South County Vocational Adult and Community Education Center, 485 5481, offers GED testing, career and educational counseling, and job training, as well as English as a second language. High school and adult students receive technical training at the Sarasota County Technical Institute ,12 miles north of Venice.

Higher
Education

Manatee Community College, 408-1300, is a fully accredited, multi-campus
institution serving residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties. It
offers the associate in arts degree for university transfer,
career-oriented associate in science and associate in applied science
degrees as well as one-year certificate programs and non-credit classes
for personal and professional development. In a tranquil lakeside
setting occupying one hundred acres of a wildlife sanctuary, MCC Venice
is located 8 miles east of downtown Venice at 8000 S. Tamiami Trail. Together with MCC Bradenton, located in south Manatee County, the College enrolls more than 8,000 students each year.

Also offering Venice area residents opportunities in higher education are the University of South Florida's Sarasota Cam pus, Nova University extension programs, and the Ringling School of Art and Design.