New Schools Set to Welcome Students in Marion County This August!

7200 SW 49 Ave. Rd., Ocala, Florida - Marion County is gearing up for an exciting development in education with the imminent opening of two new elementary schools, Winding Oaks Elementary and Ross Prairie Elementary, slated to welcome students on August 11, 2025. As the school year approaches, the community buzz is palpable—after all, this promises to be a big leap forward for local families!

Principal Traci Crawford of Winding Oaks Elementary received the keys to her new school the week of July 1. Located at 7200 SW 49 Ave. Rd., Ocala, Winding Oaks is structured to cater to the growing population in southwest Marion County. Meanwhile, Ross Prairie Elementary, under the leadership of Principal LeAnn McEarchern, can be found at 14320 SW 70th Ave. Rd., Marion Oaks. Families in the area have much to look forward to with these new additions to the educational landscape.

A Nod to Local Heritage

With a nod to local heritage, the names of the schools were thoughtfully chosen. Ross Prairie Elementary pays homage to the nearby Ross Prairie State Forest, while Winding Oaks Elementary is situated on land once known for its thoroughbred training, previously named Winding Oaks Farm. Both principals are set to engage their school communities in choosing mascots and official colors, creating a shared ownership in these new educational centers.

The names were finalized after numerous rounds of submissions, showcasing the community’s investment in the process. The school board’s choice reflects a commitment to not just education but also community identity, making each school’s opening feel even more special.

Facilities Built for the Future

Both schools are designed with modern conveniences in mind, boasting one-building, two-story concrete block constructions that encompass about 115,000 square feet each. With the capacity to serve up to 860 students across 43 classrooms, the facilities also feature enhanced security measures, a media center on the second floor, and a cafeteria at the rear. Careful planning ensures minimal entry points for security purposes – something every parent can appreciate!

Built on over 47 acres, these schools represent a significant investment in the area’s future. Each school comes with a budget of around $47 million, and fascinatingly, Ausley Construction completed Winding Oaks Elementary ahead of schedule and $3.4 million under budget. That’s a win for local taxpayers, wouldn’t you agree?

Responding to Rapid Growth

The increase in new students is a clear indicator of the area’s rapid growth. As reported, Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) expects a total of 21,366 students enrolled in elementary schools for the 2023-2024 year, with numbers already surging from 18,541 to 21,228 in just twenty days last September. New schools may not completely alleviate overcrowding due to this influx, but they will certainly help ease some of the pressure.

Funding for both projects has been secured through certificates of participation, with the school board demonstrating a proactive approach to meeting the educational needs of our community. The architectural design, handled by Hepner Architects Inc., has taken into account safety and functionality to create a welcoming and effective learning environment.

As Marion County continues to grow, the establishment of Winding Oaks and Ross Prairie Elementary schools signals a commitment to education and community well-being. With the inaugural classes just around the corner, local families are eager to see their future unfold in these new learning hubs. Exciting times are ahead, and there’s something to be said for community spirit when it comes to shaping our children’s futures!