The first high school in the U.S. using cutting-edge computer technology to guarantee mastery of science subject is located in Sarasota. 

The district is the second school system in the country to institute an Authentic Science Research program in the high schools 

The technical schools is a leader in the latest patient care trainng technology with patient simulators and an innovative mobile learning lab for on-location training. 

An environmental science program provides offshore explorations, internships and research opportunities with Mote Marine Laboratory Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the University of South Florida/New College 

The district is one of the first to offer high school students a certification in networking and Internet solutions with Cisco. 

Many schools use computer learning systems that offer individualized, prescriptive approaches to instruction 

State-of-the-art technology laboratories in many schools enhance science, math, reading and writing skills. 

A Science Portal and Communication Portal provide online resources for teachers and students. 

Students produce daily news television programs and film their school’s special activities 

Sarasota County Schools use Test Trakker, a program designed to give teachers access to quick and efficient computerized documentation detailing their students’ mastery of specific skills. 

More than 19,000 school volunteers, including students, adults senior citizens, and business leaders, participate in the PALS Partners in Education program. With 315,000 volunteer hours reported this represents a yearly value of approximately $5.1 million of in-kind services. Volunteers in the schools provide students and teachers with a vast reservoir of expertise and talents. The impact on the students’ education is beyond measure. 

Sarasota County students in grades 2 through 10 consistenly score above the national median in the reading and math areas of the Stanford 9 Test. 

District students in all grade levels regularly rank near the top of the state on the FCAT tests and Florida Writing Assessment. 

In 2003-04 approximately 63% of the county’s graduates took the SAT exam. Sarasota’s students scored 63 points higher than other state seniors on both the verbal and math sections and 35 points higher than their national peers. 

In 2004, district totals for the Bright Futures Scholarship Awards were: 222 Academic Scholars, 807 Florida Merit Scholars, 61 Gold Seal Scholars. 

Students consistently achieve statewide, national and/or international honors in academic and athletic competitions, such as science speech, debate, foreign language, match, music, journalism, yearbook, video production, cheerleading and Odyssey of the Mind, etc.