Parrish Community High School

Located at Erie and Fort Hammer roads, Parrish Community High School is part of the School District of Manatee County. It opened three years ago and is expected to serve more than 2,043 students. It is the state’s first new high school in over a decade. The school was built to serve the rapidly growing Parrish area and to alleviate overcrowding at Lakewood Ranch High School.

The building is designed to meet the needs of 21st century learners. It features specialized career and technical education labs, an auditorium, media center, cafeteria, and a gymnasium. It is also home to the automotive technology academy and allied nursing.

The school is home to 48 full-time teachers and administrative staff. The school also has a student resource officer. In the words of the school’s chief operations officer, Joe Ranaldi, the building is “as close to perfect as you can get.” The building also sports a couple of cool-looking features, including perimeter fencing and an impressive security system. A one-button lock will allow you to secure the entire building.

The state’s new high school is also the state’s first to feature a large computer panel that connects to teachers’ iPads. Its display features a touch screen that allows for remote control of the lights, heating, and air conditioning.

The School District of Manatee County has plans to build an additional 22-classroom addition to Lakewood Ranch High School. In January, the aforementioned $13.2 million structure was introduced to the school board. It will serve 500 freshmen and sophomores.