Virgil Mills Elementary School
General Information
About
Virgil Mills Elementary School is a public, elementary school located in Palmetto, Florida serving grades Pre-K through 5 in the Manatee County School District. Situated at 7200 69th Street East, the school offers a welcoming educational environment where students benefit from small-class sizes (approximately a 16:1 student-teacher ratio) and a community-oriented culture. According to available data, the school enrolls around 833 students, and a gifted & talented program is offered, supporting advanced learners alongside a strong general education curriculum. The institution places emphasis on academic proficiency—with about 74 % of students meeting proficiency in mathematics and 63 % in reading—indicative of a solid baseline of student achievement.
The school’s mission centres on nurturing each child’s growth academically, socially and emotionally in a safe and supportive setting; staff strive to engage students through meaningful learning experiences and to foster critical thinking, reasoning and judgment. In addition, the school’s demographics show a diverse student body, with students from various racial/ethnic backgrounds and around 43 % of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. These factors together highlight Virgil Mills as a school that emphasizes accessibility, community engagement, and preparation of its young learners for success in their future schooling.
Contact Informations
Address
7200 69th Street East, Palmetto, Florida 34221, United States
Phone Number
(941) 721-2140
Email Address
While no specific general admissions email address was publicly listed, the school may be contacted via the Manatee County School District’s directory or by calling the main office number above for more information.
School Facts
Key Facts Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| School Level | Public Elementary School (Pre-K through Grade 5) |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 833 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approx. 16:1 |
| Math Proficiency | Around 74 % of students proficient |
| Reading Proficiency | Around 63 % of students proficient |
| Free/Reduced Lunch Eligibility | Around 43 % of students |
| Racial/Ethnic Breakdown | Approximately White 61.2 %, Hispanic 21.2 %, Black 8.5 %, Asian 3 % etc. |
Virgil Mills Elementary School Rankings
Rankings Table
| Category | Ranking / Note |
|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade for School | B+ (above average) |
| Niche Rank among Public Elementary Schools in Florida | #678 of 2,245 (based on Niche data) |
| GreatSchools Rating | 6/10 (compared to FL public & charter elementary schools) |
Virgil Mills Elementary School Academics
Virgil Mills Elementary School Faculties / Departments
- Early Childhood / Pre-K Department
- Kindergarten through Grade 2 Department
- Grades 3-5 Department
- Gifted & Talented Program Department
- Special Education / Resource Support Department
- Reading & Language Arts Intervention Department
- Mathematics Intervention & Enrichment Department
- Fine Arts and Music Department
- Physical Education and Wellness Department
Virgil Mills Elementary School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Core Curriculum: Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- Gifted & Talented Program for eligible students offering enriched instruction
- Fine Arts: Visual Arts, Music, possibly performance opportunities
- Intervention Programs: Reading and Math support for students needing additional help
- Enrichment Programs: Math club or challenge, technology integration, hands-on STEM activities
- Pre-K Program: Early learning curriculum preparing students for Kindergarten
- Special Education / Resource Programs: Inclusive classrooms and small-group support
Online Learning
While Virgil Mills Elementary is primarily an in-person, traditional elementary school, it does offer digital resources and online support infrastructure typical of modern elementary settings, such as access to online learning platforms for practice in reading and math, remote learning contingencies when needed, and teacher-led digital assignments. These elements complement classroom instruction and assist in reinforcing student learning outside of face-to-face time.
Average Test Scores
Table of Average Scores
| Test / Measure | Approximate Score / Proficiency Rate |
|---|---|
| Mathematics Proficiency | ~74 % of students are proficient |
| Reading/Language Arts Proficiency | ~63 % of students are proficient |
Retention and Graduation Rates
In an elementary school context like Virgil Mills, “graduation” corresponds to progression through grade levels rather than a formal completion rate. The school supports students from Pre-K through Grade 5 and focuses on ensuring they are prepared for the transition into middle school. Retention is low and the focus is on promoting students each year; thus the school’s program emphasises continuity of learning, monitoring progress, and providing supports for those who need additional help to keep pace.
Virgil Mills Elementary School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As an elementary school, Virgil Mills Elementary does not consider GPA or SAT/ACT scores for admission in the way secondary institutions do. Admission is typically based on district zoning, age/grade eligibility, residency within the school’s attendance zone, and prerequisite requirements for Pre-K or Kindergarten entry. For programs like Gifted & Talented, internal assessments or criteria set by the district may apply.
Virgil Mills Elementary School Acceptance Rate
| Admissions Metric | Approximate Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| District Residency Admissions | Based on attendance zone; no standard acceptance percentage publicly published |
Virgil Mills Elementary School Application Requirements
Families seeking to enroll children at Virgil Mills Elementary must meet the local district’s age and residency requirements, provide proof of residency within the school’s attendance zone, complete the registration packet which may include previous school records (for transfer students), immunisation records, birth certificate, and emergency contact information. For the Gifted & Talented program, additional district-level eligibility criteria may apply, such as screening tests, teacher recommendations and parent consent. The school also encourages family engagement and cooperation with the school’s community standards and code of conduct.
Application Process
- Confirm your residence is within Virgil Mills Elementary’s attendance zone
- Complete the district’s registration or transfer application form with required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proof of residency)
- Submit previous school records (if applicable for transfer students)
- For Pre-K or Kindergarten, attend orientation or screening events as scheduled by the school or district
- If applying for the Gifted & Talented program, complete any screening, tests or parent/teacher referrals required by the district
Virgil Mills Elementary School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline/Event | Date / Note |
|---|---|
| General Student Registration | Typically occurs in early spring for upcoming school year; exact date set by district |
| Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation | Scheduled by school/district each year; families notified through district communications |
| Gifted & Talented Screening | Dates vary; usually in spring prior to the next academic year |
Essay Prompt
An essay prompt is not applicable for Virgil Mills Elementary School, as elementary school admissions generally do not require an essay component.
Virgil Mills Elementary School Scholarships
Scholarships are not typically offered at the elementary school level. However, families may seek eligibility for financial support of programs (such as reduced-cost after-school care) through district or community programmes, and the district may provide support for students requiring special services or interventions.
Virgil Mills Elementary School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount / Note |
|---|---|
| Day Tuition (Public School) | None—public elementary school tuition is covered by public funding |
| Additional Fees | Standard fees for activities or materials may apply; refer to school for current year details |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
At Virgil Mills Elementary, the student body of approximately 833 pupils spans Pre-K through Grade 5. The gender breakdown is approximately 52 % male and 48 % female. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, the school reports roughly 61.2 % White students, 21.2 % Hispanic students, 8.5 % Black/African American students, about 3 % Asian students, and around 5.6 % multiracial or other ethnicities. The age distribution aligns with standard elementary grade levels (typically ages 4 to 11, including Pre-K). These demographics reflect a moderate degree of diversity in the student population.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 43 % of Virgil Mills Elementary students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of socioeconomic diversity and a measure of lower-income student population. The school also provides supports for students with disabilities via the district’s special education services and inclusive classroom models. While specific percentages for students with disabilities are not publicly detailed, the presence of support programs and intervention services is noted in school profile data.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~833 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approx. 16:1 |
| Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch | ~43 % |
| Diversity Rating | A-minus (based on Niche diversity score) |
University Diversity
Virgil Mills Elementary places emphasis on cultivating an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment where students from a range of backgrounds learn together. With a student body where nearly one in five students identifies as Hispanic and roughly one in twelve identifies as Black/African American, alongside students of Asian descent and multiracial backgrounds, the school is positioned to provide rich opportunities for cross-cultural interaction, shared perspectives and peer learning. The socioeconomic diversity—evidenced by around 43 % of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch—adds further complexity to the community, offering a mix of experiences and socioeconomic origins.
The school’s culture reflects a commitment to equity and access; academic intervention programmes, gifted offerings and inclusive classroom practices ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have pathways to success. In addition, the moderate student-teacher ratio supports meaningful teacher-student interactions across demographic lines, enabling staff to get to know individual students and their backgrounds, thereby fostering connection, support and cultural competence. Through its daily practices, the school encourages students to respect one another’s identities, to collaborate in mixed-background settings and to prepare for a globalised society by building awareness of difference, building empathy, and nurturing readiness to engage with diverse peers inside and outside the classroom.
Average Earnings
As an elementary school serving young children, Virgil Mills Elementary does not publish post-graduation earnings data in the way universities or higher-education institutions might. However, the school’s strong emphasis on early academic proficiency—with large percentages of students achieving proficiency in core subjects—positions its graduates for success in middle school, high school and beyond. By providing early foundational skills in reading and mathematics, along with enrichment programs and a diverse learning community, the institution helps set students on trajectories toward higher educational attainment, which research shows correlates positively with higher earnings in adulthood.
While specific earnings figures aren’t available, parents and stakeholders may reasonably infer that a strong elementary education such as that offered at Virgil Mills can contribute to long-term benefits in terms of college readiness, career choice flexibility and economic outcomes. The early exposure to supportive learning environments, peer diversity and enriched academic experiences at this school offers a meaningful starting point for children seeking academic growth, personal development and lifelong achievement.
Virgil Mills Elementary School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Virgil Mills Elementary benefits from a dedicated teaching staff whose efforts are central to its academic environment. With a student-teacher ratio of about 16:1, teachers are able to establish meaningful relationships with students, monitor individual progress and differentiate instruction effectively. Many staff members have years of experience, and new-teacher induction and professional development opportunities are part of the school’s commitment to quality instruction.
The staff includes classroom teachers across grade levels, specialist teachers (such as for fine arts, music and physical education), gifted & talented instructors, special education/resource support teachers, instructional coaches and administrative personnel. The support of non-instructional staff—such as paraprofessionals, instructional aides, and after-school programme staff—also strengthens the school’s ability to meet the wide variety of student needs.
Faculty Profiles
Although individual faculty profiles are not explicitly detailed in publicly accessible data, the school’s profile indicates a stable, experienced teaching workforce and positive indicators for academic proficiency that suggest instructional effectiveness. With proficiency rates of 74 % in mathematics and 63 % in reading, the teaching staff has demonstrated a capacity to support student learning above average levels. The presence of a gifted & talented program further indicates that staff are capable of delivering enriched and differentiated instruction. Additionally, parent reviews emphasise that teachers are well educated, stay abreast of new instructional practices and actively engage volunteers and families in the learning process.
One parent review commented that “teachers are well educated and continue to stay abreast on new ways to keep the children interested in learning”; this underscores a commitment to professional growth among faculty. The fact that the school holds a B+ overall grade from Niche for academics and teacher-related metrics further supports the notion that faculty expertise is a significant factor in the school’s performance.
Virgil Mills Elementary School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As an elementary school, Virgil Mills does not offer boarding or student housing; all students attend as day students who commute from their homes within the school’s attendance zone. The campus is designed to serve young learners from Pre-K through Grade 5, offering classroom spaces, special-program areas (for gifted education, fine arts, intervention), outdoor play areas, playgrounds suited to early childhood and elementary age children, and common spaces for assemblies and community events. Student life includes recess, library time, art and music classes, physical education, and extracurricular enrichments appropriate to young learners. Families may incur costs for optional activities, school supplies, field trips and after-school programmes, but there is no tuition for day students other than public school fees which are typically minimal or non-existent for district-resident students.
Transportation
Transportation to Virgil Mills Elementary is facilitated through the Manatee County School District’s bus services for eligible students who live beyond designated walking zones or meet district criteria for bus service. Day-students also arrive via parent drop-off, carpooling or walking if they live nearby. The school’s location at 7200 69th Street East in Palmetto, Florida means it is accessible from surrounding residential areas within the attendance zone. On-campus mobility for students is age-appropriate; the campus is laid out so that younger students (Pre-K, Kindergarten) have clear, safe routes between classrooms, play areas, cafeteria, libraries and restrooms under supervision. Teachers, aides and staff provide structured transitions between classes and activities to maintain safety and supervision. For after-school programmes or extracurricular activities, parents typically arrange transportation or participate in the district’s after-school care pick-up procedures.