Families across the Treasure Coast have a new, innovative educational option on the horizon. A brand-new, tuition-free career and technical charter school is officially preparing to open its doors in Fort Pierce this August, bringing a highly anticipated, hands-on approach to local education.
Known as SouthTech Treasure Coast, the new campus will empower middle and high school students by allowing them to earn valuable industry certifications while completing their traditional academic coursework. This dual-focus approach is designed to help young residents build real-world skills and prepare for high-demand careers long before they even receive their high school diplomas.
SouthTech Treasure Coast merges traditional academics with specialized career training, equipping Treasure Coast students with adult-level industry certifications and a significant head start in today’s competitive local job market.
The Fort Pierce campus follows the successful model of SouthTech Academy in Boynton Beach, which has spent years perfecting this blend of standard learning and career-focused training. Recognizing the rapidly growing demand for skilled professionals across the Treasure Coast, the St. Lucie County School Board officially approved the charter application for this new location earlier this April.
What the New Campus Offers:
- Targeted Demographics: The school will serve students in grades 6 through 12, with an anticipated enrollment of approximately 460 students for its inaugural year.
- Diverse Career Academies: Students can choose from a variety of specialized tracks, including medical science, culinary arts, cosmetology, and agriculture technology.
- Financial Advantage: As noted by Meghan Hess Shamdasani, the Career and Technical Education Program Coordinator, the tuition-free model allows students to gain highly marketable skills at no cost, saving families from expensive college tuition or post-graduate training fees down the road.
According to Carla Lovett, Executive Director of SouthTech Schools, the curriculum is designed so that students do not have to sacrifice traditional learning for career prep. Instead, they manage their standard academics alongside dedicated time in their chosen career academies. Director of Expansion Nicole Handy emphasized that the school’s specific programs were selected to target high-paying, expanding careers directly within the Fort Pierce area and the wider Treasure Coast economy.
Grand Opening Celebration:
Local residents, families, and community members are invited to explore the new facility and learn more about the curriculum during the upcoming grand opening celebration. The event will give parents and students a chance to tour the campus on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2810 S. US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982.
This exciting addition to the regional education system highlights the ongoing growth and development of the Treasure Coast, making our community an even more attractive destination for families seeking diverse, future-forward opportunities for their children.
