Over 200,000 Students Begin 2025-26 School Year Across Florida Districts

The first day of the 2025-26 school year saw a warm and enthusiastic start across multiple schools in Florida, with students, parents, teachers, and local officials coming together to celebrate. At Northport K-8 School in Port St. Lucie, law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, and parents greeted students, including excited first graders like Dylan James. Destin Elementary experienced a heartfelt welcome from Principal Amy Meyer, with many parents walking their children to school and staff from nearby preschools assisting kindergarten transitions. In Orange County, Superintendent Maria Vazquez and Sheriff John Mina toured several schools, including University High School, where they enjoyed performances and greeted students among the district's large enrollment of over 200,000 K-12 students. Wildlight Elementary in Yulee also saw a strong turnout of families who mostly walked their children to school, with students sharing warm moments with principals and family members. Meanwhile, the new Ross Prairie Elementary School in Marion Oaks marked its inaugural first day with Principal Leann McEarchern personally assisting young students to their classrooms, highlighting community engagement and excitement for the new school year.