Photo courtesy of the School District of Manatee County
A Top-tier School Where Children Will Thrive
On Friday, May 9, 2025, the future of Rye Ranch took an exciting step forward as school officials and community leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Rye Ranch Elementary School. Conveniently situated near the intersection of Rutland Road and North Rye Road, this new school will soon emerge as a vibrant learning hub where our community’s children will flourish.
At the close of the event, a ceremonial “turning of the soil” was met with cheers and applause from Manatee County neighbors who have been eagerly awaiting the school’s opening, which is scheduled for 2026.
Nurturing the Future
The School District of Manatee County is creating a space where our children can learn, dream, and achieve without limits. Set on an 18-acre site, the new Rye Ranch Elementary School will span 122,500 square feet and welcome up to 969 students in grades K–5. Features designed to inspire curiosity and imagination include:
- Innovative, adaptable classrooms that can transform to meet different learning styles
- A state-of-the-art media center where children can discover the joy of reading and technology
- An expansive cafeteria designed for serving nutritious meals and accommodating school assemblies
- Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces with shade covers, courts, and fields where kids can play, explore, and develop healthy habits
This $75 million investment, funded through Certificates of Participation (COPs), represents the Manatee community’s commitment to giving children the educational environment they deserve.
Children’s Safety Comes First
As parents, nothing matters more than knowing that children are safe at school. This contemporary two-story, brick exterior building has been designed with security and safety as top priorities:
- A single, controlled point of entry ensures the campus remains secure
- Thoughtful traffic planning with separate car and bus loops to keep drop-off and pick-up running smoothly
- Bright, welcoming lobby spaces that balance security with a warm atmosphere
- Ample visitor parking for school events, conferences, and volunteer opportunities
Photo courtesy of the School District of Manatee County
Building Tomorrow’s Classrooms Today
Rye Ranch Elementary School is a collaboration between PBK, an architecture firm specializing in innovative learning spaces, and global construction leader Skanska USA. Both companies are renowned for world-class design and construction of K–12 schools.
This new building represents the foundation for our children’s futures and another reason why Rye Ranch is becoming the premier community for families in Manatee County.
“We are excited about this school’s design because we think it does a great job of prioritizing safety, while also balancing the need to have a school that feels welcoming and positive and inspires students to learn,” said Dr. Jason Wysong, Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates for Your Family
- Construction Period: May 2025–Summer 2026
- School Opening: August 2026
We’ll keep you updated as construction progresses and enrollment information becomes available.
For more information about the Rye Ranch Elementary School project, please contact the School District of Manatee County.
New Homes That Make The Grade
Come plant the seeds for your family’s future at Rye Ranch, where new Southwest Florida homes are designed with your growing family in mind. Explore floor plans ranging from cozy starter homes to expansive family estates, all crafted with the quality and attention to detail that our home builders are known for.
Ready to learn more? Visit RyeRanch.com or reach out directly to info@ryeranch.com to schedule your personal tour.
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