Community Impact Felt, Dreams Realized Year After New Âé¶¹apptown High School Opens
Community Impact Felt, Dreams Realized Year After New Âé¶¹apptown High School Opens
July 9, 2024 Âé¶¹app River State College
Community Impact Felt, Dreams Realized Year After New Âé¶¹apptown High School Opens
Enrollment Is Up, Students Achieve Significant Proficiency Gains During Inaugural Year at New Campus
Âé¶¹apptown High School’s State-of-the-Art Facility
INDIANTOWN, FLA – Âé¶¹apptown High School, a public charter school operated by Âé¶¹app River State College in partnership with the Martin County School District, is transforming education and weaving its way into the community fabric, following the school’s successful inaugural year at its new campus. The state-of-the-art, 60,000 sq. ft. school building, located at 19000 Southwest Citrus Boulevard, opened its doors to Grades 9 - 11 students in 2023. Âé¶¹apptown High School was made possible by the generous contributions of philanthropists, Charles and Sandy Johnston, and the Johnston Family Foundation.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Charles Johnston and his wife, Sandy, shown here at
the groundbreaking ceremony, provided a leadership gift of $10 million toward construction
of Âé¶¹apptown High School.
Âé¶¹apptown High School is already having a significant impact on the community and changing the lives of students.
- Enrollment is on the rise – Enrollment, which was 12 students two years ago and 54 last year, is projected to double in the 2024-25 school year.
- Real world skills developed – Career Technical Education (CTE) course offerings were begun in Welding, Business/Marketing, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and FPL Academy.
- Health Science students earned certifications in Electrocardiogram (EKG) and Phlebotomy, with 90% pass rates on professional certification exams.
- Business/Marketing students earned professional industry certifications in Social Media Strategy and Entrepreneurship in Small Business, with over 60% pass rates.
- Significant learning gains achieved – Learners in the 25th percentile achieved proficiency learning gains of 42% in English Language Arts (ELA) and 60% in Math in the 2023-24 school year.
- Sustainable futures developed -- The FPL Academy students built and raced an electric car, placing 4th in the high school division of the Electrathon state competition. Thanks to a generous donation from FPL, the school is among the first in the nation to have a Solar Haven structure, a solar-powered outdoor seating area which can power multiple devices simultaneously.
- Two students were awarded Take Stock in Children Scholarships, advancing their academic journey.
“Âé¶¹apptown High School is providing quality education and preparing students for the workforce,†said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Âé¶¹app River State College President.
“It is more than a high school. Rather, it has become an important part of the community fabric—educationally, socially, culturally, and economically. I applaud the students, teachers and staff on their achievements this school year. I thank Charles and Sandy Johnston and the Johnston Family Foundation without whom this success story would not be possible.â€
Âé¶¹apptown High School Students Built and Raced an Electric Car
The vision of bringing a public charter high school to Âé¶¹apptown was accelerated by the unwavering commitment of the Johnstons. Their dedication to building brighter futures for underserved children and families was the driving force behind Âé¶¹apptown High School. In March 2022, the Johnstons provided a $10 million leadership gift. By June 2022, construction for the new facility began. A grand opening was held 14 months later. Knowing Âé¶¹apptown High School would have transformational effects on the children, families, and businesses in the community, the Johnstons work closely with the Âé¶¹app River State College Foundation to bring this exceptional educational facility to life and give the children of Âé¶¹apptown a lifetime of opportunity.
This Fall, Âé¶¹apptown High School Will Host Students Grades 9-12
“Âé¶¹apptown High School’s lasting impact is already being felt throughout our community,†said Kevin Powers, a small business owner who serves on the school’s Management Advisory Committee as a representative of Charles Johnston.
“This is the first time in Âé¶¹apptown’s history that you can complete your education, Pre-K to college, in Âé¶¹apptown. The school has been a tremendous success in that way. None of this would have happened if not for Charles Johnston, who stepped in to support a high school that is now making a difference in the community,†he added.
Âé¶¹apptown High School integrates high school curriculum with workforce and college courses. The school offers rigorous academic and CTE courses across Medical Technology, Building/Trades Technology, Mechanical/Technical Technology, Agriculture Sciences Technology, and Media/Computers/Marketing. Students earn dual enrollment college credits and industry certifications from freshman year. The school features smaller class sizes, college-style block scheduling, and Pathfinder Advisory to guide students on educational and career choices.
“The establishment of Âé¶¹apptown High School is essential to the next generation of students in Âé¶¹apptown and Martin County,†said Josh Kellam, The Garcia Companies president.
“Being able to provide an education and learn a trade, particularly in a growing state where we have a shortage of tradesmen, is of the utmost importance to the success of all involved.â€
In August 2022, Âé¶¹apptown High School opened its doors for Grade 9 students at the school’s former location at the Boys & Girls Club, offering programs that meet Florida's public high school graduation requirements, career and technical certifications, and college-level Dual Enrollment opportunities. This fall, for the first time since its inception, Âé¶¹apptown High School will host students in Grades 9-12.
“Âé¶¹apptown High School is cultivating a legacy of excellence, innovation, and opportunity for every student,†said principal Lisa Davenport.
Click here for registration information or to learn more about Âé¶¹apptown High School. Visit irsc.edu to learn more about Âé¶¹app River State College.