Picking the right elementary school for your child is the first step in an educational journey to successful adulthood. Yet, zoned schools offer a broad range of specialized programs and learning environments geared to the interests and needs of their communities. Zoned schools enhance the standard elementary curriculum through computer and video networks, unique writing or reading programs, and special study themes. Art and music are taught to all elementary children weekly, and physical education is taught daily. All elementary schools offer speech and specific learning disability programs.
Many elementary schools hold special classes once a week for qualified gifted children.
Other schools bus gifted children weekly to special centers such as the Tyrone Elementary Gifted Center. Increasingly, several regularly zoned schools are opting for either voluntary or mandatory school uniforms and are encouraging students to resolve personal disputes through student-led peer mediation. Madeira Beach Elementary teaches marine science and conducts special marine science laboratories at an adjacent waterfront park. Marjorie K. Rawlings Elementary in Pinellas Park emphasizes writing skills. Lealman Avenue Elementary was the first elementary school in the county to open an evening adult education reading program for students' parents.