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Four elementary schools move to K–8; Gold Coast Academy to add sixth-grade innovation program
Summary
Superintendent Connor said Altavista, Brentwood, Goldgate and Wilkinson will expand from K–5 to K–8 to increase building use and serve family demand; Gold Coast Academy of Innovation and Technology will relaunch with sixth grade and a focused program (AI, machine learning, cybersecurity) in collaboration with the University of South Florida.
Superintendent Terry Connor said the district is converting four schools — Altavista, Brentwood, Goldgate and Wilkinson — from K–5 to K–8 to boost building utilization and respond to family demand. "A través de la opinión y retroalimentación de la comunidad, nos aventuramos a crear 4 escuelas K 8," he said.
Connor said the moves will add 6th‑grade classes to those campuses and help increase enrollment in underutilized buildings. He also highlighted the Gold Coast Academy of Innovation and Technology, where sixth graders will be the inaugural cohort for programs in artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity. Connor noted the district is collaborating with the University of South Florida to design the curriculum but did not provide enrollment caps or funding details on the podcast.
The superintendent presented the changes as a community-driven response to declining enrollment trends and financial pressures, intended to preserve program offerings while increasing utilization of existing facilities.
