The Collier County School District is implementing significant changes this school year, including opening new schools and launching the county’s first charter school for students with autism.
The district has experienced substantial growth, adding nearly 100,000 students over the past five years. In response, two new elementary schools are being established to accommodate the expanding student population.
Senior Reporter Emily Young speaks with Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli about the exciting changes this year:
State of Schools, Collier Co.
Bear Creek Elementary, a state-of-the-art facility designed for about 1,000 students, is opening its doors for the first time this school year. A second school, Ava Maria Elementary, is scheduled to open in September 2026 and will serve approximately 900 students.
“We did have to offload a lot of Laurel Elementary and Corkscrew Elementary, but we told parents if you want to keep your children in the school in which they were, Laurel Oak or Corkscrew, they can stay. They just had to request school choice – and they have to provide their own transportation,” said Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, Collier County Superintendent…