As the lazy days of Summer wind down and the upcoming school year quickly approaches, we thought it’d be a great time to shine a light on one of the most wonderful things that make our island so special… The gem of The Island: Anna Maria Elementary School (AME).
Their mission: “Growing together as we plant seeds to learn, dream and succeed. We strive to support student experiences that will provide them the tools to be successful individuals and members of our community.”
The school has some of the greatest teachers and support staff in the state and the incredible support from the community allows AME to offer so many special opportunities for its students, often with an emphasis on culture, the arts, and the environment! Not to mention, test scores at this school are far above the state average, suggesting that most students at this school are performing at or above grade level. It has proudly had over 19 years as an A-rated school, with small classes and big goals for the future.
While the school has historically been the go-to public school for the many kids growing up on the island, they’re seeing even more children coming from neighboring towns to AME. So, if you live on the mainland and are just looking for a more individualized education in a warm environment for your child— a large percentage of the students at AME actually school-choice or “hardship” into AME. Definitely worth the trip!
But, even if you may not be at the stage of life of enrolling little ones into elementary school- there’s no denying that Anna Maria Island is better for ALL of us because of the value AME brings.
If you’re looking for a way to get involved and give back to this institution, there are a plethora of ways throughout the school year. Be sure to follow the PTO page on Facebook where they will be posting about upcoming events like the numerous class performances, donation drives, Read Across America Day, the Book Fair, Fall Fest, and so much more! You can always reach out to find out ways you can give back, donate on the PTO website, and take part in making a difference through AME.
Many of our A Paradise team members have important ties to Anna Maria Elementary: whether from being a parent, a past parent, a volunteer, supporter, or even an alumni themself! We are so grateful for the vibrancy that AME brings to our community. Our island would truly not be the same without it and we look forward to many years of supporting this beautiful school by the bay.
Photos courtesy of AME PTO.