Discover the SCS Difference
Join us on a journey of transformation. Explore our programs, meet our dedicated staff, and witness the power of a holistic education that extends far beyond the classroom.
Unlock the potential within. Choose Community Schools for a brighter tomorrow.
Welcome to Sarasota Community School (SCS)
At SCS, we are not just a school; we create a transformative experience. With over two decades of dedicated service, we have been at the forefront of contemporary holistic education, reshaping the lives of students who are not excelling in other public and private schools or in the home. We are committed to supporting a diverse coeducational student body and enrolling students from 12 -21 years old. Our schools offer both day and residential programs.
Academic Excellence and Beyond
Education is at the heart of what we do. We’re dedicated to offering a college preparatory curriculum that engages each student at their level, and a vocational path for students interested in a particular professional field or sport. For some, this means taking college credits while in high school, while for others this concentrates on vocational skills in areas of interest for the student. Our mission is to help our students make meaningful academic progress and equip them with the skills they need for a brighter, more successful future.
Our Commitment to Holistic Education
We believe in nurturing the whole child, family, and community – academically, socially, physically, and emotionally. Our community environment provides the foundation for growth and empowers our students to learn and succeed in all areas of their lives. The Contemporary Holistic approach supports a relational program with the perspective that mind, body, and environment are inextricably interconnected, and for students to reach their potential we must support their love for lifelong learning and success in all of these areas.
Supportive Community and Empowering Culture
At SCS, students are not just passive learners; they are active participants in their education, curriculum, and creating community structures, rules, and culture. Students, teachers, and faculty engage together in a consensus-based decision making process. Our self-governing community and positive peer culture provide the support and fellowship necessary for personal, social, and academic growth.
Pillars of Success
Our goal is to provide every Community School graduate with practical real-world skills essential for success in college, careers, and life.
At SCS, we create a safe community and supportive bully-free environment (HEART) so that students can engage in rigorous learning (SMART), and develop the skill set to be critical thinkers (THINK), who then become self-empowered agents of change in their lives, communities, and world (ACT).
Relationships
Relationships are the path to healthy growth and development. Kids are prewired for connected relationships and living as part of a larger community of family, friends, co-workers, and support systems. All the current research shows the crucial intervention that can open hearts and minds to lifelong learning and a world of new beginnings is authentic, loving, supportive relationships. These kinds of connections are the foundation of everything we do at Community Schools.
Inclusion and Diversity
At SCS, inclusion and diversity aren’t simply buzzwords. These are critical community values that support the entire school process. We know the greater the diversity of any peer group increases its transformative powers of acceptance, understanding, and compassion. It is the sauce that brews an environment in which all children can feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their differences.
Positive Peer Culture
Our commitment to education goes beyond the classroom. We’ve cultivated a unique positive peer culture that enhances school cohesion and creates a community of kids who look after each other in positive and affirming ways. As a community, the students, teachers, and staff come together to create a safe space for learning and growth that knows no bounds. The positive culture is grounded in our consensus-based self-government and supports every community member feeling a sense of belonging and ownership. Our bully-free environment allows students from all backgrounds and differences to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Radical Responsibility
We know that responsibility is the cornerstone of transformational change and creates a healthy learning environment. Blame, shame, and punishment are not the path to empowering successful adults. When children feel secure enough to embrace themselves it becomes possible to take positive and healthy steps forward. Radical responsibility supports self-empowered young adults with the strength and resilience to take on and change the world.
Research In Action
Nutrition Project
The Nutrition Project is our commitment to students and parents to serve foods that meet defined guidelines to the greatest extent possible. These guidelines include foods that are 100% organic, all-natural, clean label, pesticide and herbicide free (Glyphosate free), and free from antibiotics. We are also committed to offering vegetarian and vegan food options at every meal.
Community Schools support ongoing research to determine if there are correlations between healthy nutrition and the social, psychological, physical, and educational outcomes of adolescents.
For instance: “Could the increasing rates of autistic spectrum disorder be directly correlated to nutrition and the chemicals in the foods we eat.” Empirical research is imperative, and we will endeavor to accomplish our small part in working toward a better understanding of how current food production and processes are impacting the health of our children.
The Community School Nutrition Project works in partnership with the Farming Enrichment Program which each student is required to participate.
School Core Features
All of our teachers are certified or have a master's degree. Most importantly they must love our students.
We offer an academic and vocational model that gives our students the freedom to achieve their dreams at their own pace.
Our educational program works on a mastery system. Each student can move at their own pace.
We think it's important students spend time doing the things they are interested in and enjoy and is an integral part of our program.
Community is the centerpiece of our program. Community members support one another no matter what their social, educational, physical, or emotional challenges.
The community school method builds lifelong friendships and promotes a “Bully-free" environment.