Education

St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a comprehensive educational system that includes public and private schools, specialized programs, and higher education institutions.

Public Schools

The city’s public schools are part of the Pinellas County Schools district, one of the largest in Florida. The district provides various educational settings, including neighborhood schools, magnet programs, and charter schools, to cater to diverse student interests and needs.

Elementary and Secondary Education

St. Petersburg hosts numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, each offering unique programs:

St. Petersburg Collegiate High School: A public charter school that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. It is recognized among the top high schools in Florida.
Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School: Focuses on marine science and environmental education, with student proficiency in core subjects surpassing district and state averages.
Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School: Known for its strong academic performance and structured environment, it is among the top-rated public elementary schools in the city.

Specialized Programs

The district offers specialized programs to cater to diverse student interests:

Magnet Programs: Schools like Perkins Elementary provide specialized curricula in international studies and performing arts, enhancing the standard educational experience.
Fundamental Schools: These schools emphasize a back-to-basics approach with a focus on parental involvement and a structured learning environment.

Higher Education

St. Petersburg is home to several higher education institutions:

St. Petersburg College: Offers a variety of degree and certificate programs, serving as a significant contributor to the local workforce.
University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus: Provides undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on research and community engagement.

Public Schools

Elementary Schools

Azalea Elementary School
Bay Point Elementary School
Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary School
Bear Creek Elementary School
Blanton Elementary School
Campbell Park Elementary School
Douglas L. Jamerson Jr. Elementary School
Fairmount Park Elementary School
John M. Sexton Elementary School
Lakeview Fundamental Elementary School
Lakewood Elementary School
Lealman Avenue Elementary School
Lynch Elementary School
Maximo Elementary School
Melrose Elementary School
Mount Vernon Elementary School
New Heights Elementary School
North Shore Elementary School
Northwest Elementary School
Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School
Perkins Elementary School
Sawgrass Lake Elementary School
Seventy-Fourth St. Elementary School
Shore Acres Elementary School
Westgate Elementary School
Woodlawn Elementary School

Middle Schools

Azalea Middle School
Bay Point Middle School
John Hopkins Middle School
Meadowlawn Middle School
Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School
Tyrone Middle School

High Schools

Gibbs High School
Lakewood High School
Northeast High School
St. Petersburg High School
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School

K-8 Schools

James B. Sanderlin K-8 School
Midtown Academy

Specialized and Charter Schools

Lealman Innovation Academy
Pinellas Mycroschool of Integrated Academics and Technologies
Plato Academy of St. Petersburg

Colleges/Universities

University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg Campus

As part of the USF system, the St. Petersburg campus provides a close-knit learning environment with the resources of a large public university. Situated on 52 acres of waterfront property in downtown St. Petersburg, it offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, and arts and sciences. The campus is recognized for its research initiatives and community engagement.
USF St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg College (SPC)

Established in 1927, SPC is a public institution offering a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificate programs. It serves a diverse student body with programs in fields such as business, health sciences, education, information technology, and public safety.
St. Petersburg College

Eckerd College

Eckerd College is a private liberal arts institution known for its innovative and personalized education. It offers a broad spectrum of majors in the arts and sciences, including environmental studies, marine science, international relations, and creative writing.