Florida Retirement Community to Expand K–8, High Schools

The Villages in Central Florida, one of the largest retirement communities in the nation, recently announced the expansion of The Villages Charter School to include new facilities for its high school, K–8 school, and Early Learning Center, according to a news release. The schools serve children of residents who work at various businesses within the community. The community is partnering with Matern Professional Engineering for the project’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services, the news release reports.


Photo courtesy of Wharton Smith

Upgrades to the high school will include a four-story media tower; a sports complex; theater; and specialized classrooms for computer science, fine arts, business, and engineering, the news release reports, for a total of 383,961 square feet. The K­–8 school will cover 247,946 square feet and include distinct spaces for elementary-aged and middle-school-aged students. The sports complex will feature facilities for football, basketball, swimming, and more.

“We are excited to contribute to a project that will provide unparalleled educational facilities for this community,” said Tad Rivenbark, Director of the Matern Construction Administration Department. “Our team is focused on delivering innovative engineering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This project is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to supporting the communities we serve.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Abstract tech network data connections with orange, blue glowing dots, lines

    3 Trends for Higher Education to Stay Ahead of in 2026

    As universities enter the new year, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary, but how quickly institutions can convert technological potential into strategic advantage.

  • Surging Demand for Student Housing Fuels Major Campus Investment Opportunities

    University leaders throughout the U.S. are accelerating plans to modernize and expand student housing as enrollment stabilizes and demand for on-campus living rebounds. Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that total postsecondary enrollment is projected to grow through the end of the decade, with undergraduate enrollment alone expected to increase by more than 8 percent by 2030.

  • New City School

    Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Transforming New City School

    When New City School in St. Louis suffered catastrophic flood damage in July 2022, the event could have marked a serious setback for the 100-year-old institution. Instead, it became a forward-looking opportunity.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.