New K-8 school in Hillsborough County joins growing trend

TAMPA, Fla. — The traditional elementary and middle school model is increasingly being replaced with a single school where students attend through high school.

“I think our kids won’t have the anxiety of going from fifth grade to sixth grade and the big change in middle school. I think it’s big to have that continuity and be with the younger kids a little longer,” Leslie Koppuk said.

Kenneth E. Adam The K-8 magnet school is the 14th K-8 school in Hillsborough County.

Dozens of people involved with the new school gathered for a dedication ceremony Tuesday, including Scott Weaver, who served as principal at Roland Park K-8 Magnet School before taking over as the new principal.

“We all know that middle school is probably the most difficult time of a child’s life, but just being in K-8, kids are already assimilated into the school environment. They know most of the kids. They’re very comfortable. They’re used to the teachers,” Weaver said.

Koppuk and her two fifth-graders are very impressed with their new school.

“It’s amazing. I watched it all summer while it was being built, walked past it, took my dog ​​past it. I was so excited to see it finished,” Koppuk said.

To establish a K-8 school on one campus would require 12 acres of land, five buildings and 182 classrooms.

To get into this magnet school, which emphasizes international studies, families had to enter a lottery.

“This school, as everyone knows of course, is breathtakingly beautiful. When I walked in, I was blown away. We are so excited to be here through eighth grade. My daughter is in first grade. She still has a long way to go to this school, but we are so excited,” said parent Heather Ramadoss.

Although the K-8 numbers are growing, there are currently no plans for more in Hillsborough County.

But the district has construction projects underway for new elementary, middle and high schools over the next few years.