NEWS

NEWS

August 08, 2022

Babcock High School welcomes its first class on Monday

By: Vicki Parsons - IT

REPORTER: ASHA PATEL
WRITER: JOEY PELLEGRINO

PUBLISHED: AUGUST 8, 2022 7:06 AM EDT  |   UPDATED: AUGUST 8, 2022 8:49 AM EDT
https://www.winknews.com/2022/08/08/babcock-high-school-welcomes-its-first-class-on-monday/

BABCOCK RANCH
Babcock High School welcomed its first students at the beginning of the school year on Monday morning.

It was the grand opening for the new high school, located at 43301 Cypress Parkway in Charlotte County, that will focus on a holistic learning environment. Babcock schools are opening two days earlier than other school districts like Lee and Collier counties.

Until now, there was only Babcock Neighborhood School, a K-8 school. The new high school is designed for 9th grade to 12th grade, but 12th grade won’t be added until the next school year starting in 2023. District officials say both Babcock Neighborhood School and Babcock High School will focus on the greenSTEAM education program, which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

In addition to the new high school, according to developer Kitson and Partners, a 40,000 -square-foot recreation center will be added that includes the school’s cafeteria and gymnasium. It will also serve as an emergency storm shelter and a place for school and community activities. The rec center is expected to fit more than 1,300 people.

The bell rang at 8 a.m. and WINK News was there as parents dropped off their kids for the first day of school.

Darren Hunter was one parent who dropped off his two kids, an 8th grader and a 9th grader, at Babcock High for their first day. Hunter says his family just moved from Canada to Florida and is really excited for the school year, especially since his son will be a student at a brand-new school.

“I think it’s exciting for them; my son is looking forward to a new, kind of different school,” Hunter said. “I think it’ll be a very good experience for them, already back to school. Usually, we start around Labor Day, so it’s a quick summer for them this year.”