UPDATE 7:42p June 1: The Palm Beach County School District says this is “incorrect,” however we have learned the longtime agreement is in fact scheduled to conclude — even if it does not lead to immediate change. Expect an update. Note: this article has been updated to distinguish between gifted and non-gifted elementary programs.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — We stress this tidbit comes from sources and we are awaiting an official confirmation — or denial — from the Palm Beach County School District. But BocaNewsNow.com has been told multiple times that Saturnia Isles, a Delray gated community on US 441 just south of Atlantic Avenue, may be rezoned away from its currently illogical gifted elementary school designation of Waters Edge in Boca Raton.
Waters Edge is 8.8 miles away and well past Whispering Pines in Lyons Road, just three miles away. Whispering Pines is a full time gifted elementary school. Non-gifted students are zoned for Sunrise Park Elementary which would not change.
Sources tell BocaNewsNow.com that the long standing contract between the community’s builder — GL Homes — and the school district is up, and that Waters Edge, one of the top ranked schools in the county, needs space for students who actually live near the school. Additionally, Waters Edge is on the cusp of being named a full fledged “choice school” for its STEAM academy — something that can’t happen if students are coming en masse from ten miles away.
Students countywide are offered “choice schools” spots in a yearly lottery.
Of note: Saturnia Isles is a hop, skip and a jump away from the Bridges and Seven Bridges — both of which are zoned for the Whispering Pines Elementary gifted program. Non-gifted in these communities are also zoned for Sunrise Park Elementary, barely 5 miles away. The change would unify all of the communities along the 441 and Lyons Road corridor between Yamato and Atlantic: all gifted students would attend Whispering Pines, all non-gifted students would remain at Sunrise Park.
No immediate word from the Palm Beach County School District.
…Developing…
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