Overview

Sigsbee Charter School (SCS) is located at Naval Air Station Key West (NASKW) and serves kindergarten through eighth grade children. This non-profit organization captivates students through a marine science environmental education program capitalizing on the local marine sanctuary.  The curriculum offers integrated studies that engage students with the environment through local field trips and inquiry projects.  Our literacy program follows the Science of Reading.  Math instruction is crafted around the Mathematical Practices.  Students participate daily in exploratory cultural arts programs, including performing arts, visual art, technology, media, health, and physical education.

Our History

Sigsbee Charter School: Founding and Growth Narrative

In February 2008, the Monroe County School Board (MCSB) identified Sigsbee Elementary as a school slated for closure or conversion to a charter model. In response, a group of dedicated community members—committed to preserving a school on the Sigsbee site—formed the Sigsbee Elementary Charter School Founding Team. Their mission was clear: to submit a charter application that would maintain a school focused on serving military-dependent children in Key West, while also offering a high-quality educational alternative for local families.

By March 2009, the founding team had submitted a comprehensive application to the Florida Department of Education, requesting over $325,000 in start-up grant funding. Following approval and contract negotiations, Sigsbee Charter School (SCS) officially opened its doors in July 2010.

In its inaugural year, SCS enrolled approximately 285 students—far exceeding initial projections. The school launched a distinctive marine science and environmental education program, integrating service learning and field experiences such as SNUBA, sailing, snorkeling, and visits to local state parks. Early partnerships with organizations like the Rotary Club of Key West, the Military Affairs Committee, the Key West Navy League, and Reef Relief helped establish a strong foundation of community support. That same year, SCS earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education based on student achievement.

In 2011–2012, SCS expanded to serve grades K–6, growing its enrollment to 385 students. The school was nationally recognized as a School of Excellence by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools and received a $540,000 grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to enhance its STEM programming. That year, SCS and Naval Air Station Key West were jointly awarded the prestigious Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award by the Military Child Education Coalition.

The following year, SCS added seventh grade and increased enrollment to approximately 430 students. The school invested in three modular science labs—dubbed “Science Row”—and completed renovations to the library and auditorium. Electrical upgrades were made to support the introduction of Smartboards and a 1:1 laptop initiative in the middle school. The curriculum expanded to include Algebra I Honors, ELA Honors, College Prep, Media, Technology, and Spanish, while staff began transitioning to the New Florida Standards.

Over the years, SCS has continued to grow, expanding grade levels, programs, and staff to become a full K–8 school. A comprehensive renovation of the original facilities was completed, and today, the school serves approximately 550 students and employs 90 staff members. SCS is nationally recognized for its place-based education model, which uses the surrounding marine sanctuary as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary learning.

The school has maintained an “A” rating every year since opening and has been named a Florida School of Excellence for six consecutive years, outperforming more than 85% of similar schools statewide. SCS is also a proud Purple Star School of Distinction, honored for its exemplary support of military-connected students and families. With three active DoDEA grants currently in progress, SCS continues to lead as a model of academic innovation, community partnership, and military family support.