New School Opens in East Manatee

Braden River High School proudly opened their doors to students today. The new school became the 6th high school to open in the area staking its claim on the corner of State Road 70 and Caruso Road in East Manatee. The school opens with an enrollment of 650 freshmen and sophomores and about 900 King Middle School students, displaced by demolition and rebuilding of their school. The University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center once resided where the new high school now sits.

"If you looked all over Manatee County, you couldn't find a more ideal site for the next high school," said then-Superintendent Dan Nolan.

The school opening helped to relieve the stress and frustration of over-crowding which existed at Lakewood Ranch high school. "What this all means is that classes will not be overcrowded and we will not have double sessions at Lakewood Ranch High School," Nolan said.

The 8 academic buildings making up the campus took a total of 16 months to build. Even though the athletic fields and other areas were not done, the classrooms were ready and a need arose to use them. King Middle School students began attending Braden River High in April this year while their school was being torn down. As students return to class today, those at Braden River High School will begin a new adventure with more than just a new building to collect in their box of changes for the school year. School will be starting earlier this year.

Elementary school, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Middle School, 9:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
High School, 8 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

If you have any questions about the academic year call the school hotline at 708-4976 or visit their website www.manatee.k12.fl.us.