Rye Ranch Elementary School in Parrish and Veterans Elementary School in Palmetto are scheduled to open Aug. 10, the first day of the 2026-27 school year, as the two Manatee County communities continue to grow.
Two more schools are scheduled to open the following year: Rangeland High School in Lakewood Ranch and a new State College of Florida campus in Parrish, both for the 2027-28 school year.
Rye Ranch Elementary School
Rye Ranch Elementary School, at 18450 Legacy Preserve Drive in Parrish, is a $75 million, two-story building designed to serve about 960 students in grades K-5. Its mascot is the Bulls.
“It’s a place where every student is going to learn, lead and thrive,” Principal Melinda Lundy said.
The first open house is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the school, where families can visit classrooms, drop off supplies and meet teachers, staff and administrators.
In advance, parents should sign up for one of two informational sessions on arrival and dismissal procedures: 5 to 5:30 p.m. or 6 to 6:30 p.m. Register at manateeschools.net/o/ryeranch.
Pre-K and kindergarten families should attend a separate session from 4 to 4:45 p.m., before the open house.
Veterans Elementary School
Veterans Elementary School, at 6360 Maidenstone Way in Palmetto, is a $75 million, two-story building designed to serve 969 students in grades K-5. The 122,550-square-foot building follows a prototype design and features arts and music programs. Its mascot is the Stars.
“We are going to be focused on leadership, community and finding the brilliance in every single child,” Principal Laura Campbell said.
The school aims to honor active-duty military members and local veterans while strengthening patriotism in the community, according to its mission statement.
For more information, visit manateeschools.net/o/veterans.
Rangeland High School
Rangeland High School in Lakewood Ranch is scheduled to open in August 2027 for 1,170 students in the ninth and 10th grades. A grade will be added each following year — 11th grade in August 2028 and 12th grade in August 2029.
The $144 million, 85-acre campus, at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard, will feature a modified layout based on Parrish Community High School.
The school’s mascot, colors and leadership team will be announced closer to the opening.
State College of Florida
SCF plans to open its Parrish campus at 11680 Erie Road in July 2027. The 74-acre campus will serve the growing population east of Interstate 75 and north of the Manatee River, making SCF programs available to students across the college’s service area.
The campus will offer a concierge-style student experience and programs tailored to local workforce needs, according to the college.
Phase 1, a $5 million fundraising effort to finance construction, is underway, and naming opportunities are available.