Taylor Petras
•8/11/2026
AVE MARIA, Fla. (WINK) — Students, teachers and staff at Ave Maria Elementary School started a new school year in a brand new building as 47,000 students across the district went back to class Tuesday.
The school features 44 classrooms, including an entire wing dedicated to pre-K programs to help the youngest students get a head start.
READ MORE: New Ave Maria school projected to bring jobs and relief for growing community
Nearly 400 elementary school students walked through the doors for the first day of school at the new building. They were greeted by the school's mascot, the superintendent and the sheriff, along with their school resource officers.
Parents and students experienced a mix of excitement and nerves as they started the new school year. Fourth-grader Olivia Gawroriski shared what she was looking forward to most.
"Getting to know all of my classmates and teachers," Gawroriski said.
Parent Winza Castro expressed enthusiasm about the community atmosphere. "I love it," Castro said. "I love the fact that our neighbors, we get to come to school with them. We see their children. The community feeling is just amazing."
Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli said that sense of community is what makes Ave Maria Elementary so special.
"What an exciting day for them. It's always fun to have new school supplies, but now you have new school supplies and a brand new school, so they're really excited," Ricciardelli said. "Two-thirds of the staff live in this community, so they understand the kids. It will be great. It really is truly a neighborhood school."
The building has the ability to expand as Ave Maria continues to grow. The school can hold more than 900 students.
