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The new Marco Island Charter Middle School is somewhat of a monument to the many community believers that nine years ago started a modest school with more than 25 portable classrooms on its campus.

The new school opens Aug. 20 for more than 400 students.

The new charter school has a two-story academic building and a related arts building that also houses a gymnasium/auditorium.

No more fighting the weather, or the cold at times, when Mackle Park and the YMCA graciously let the school use their outdoor basketball courts.

Total square footage is about 69,000, at a cost of $17.3 million. Internet access is available in all classrooms in the energy efficient buildings that exceed the Florida Energy Code.

A kindly bank and an ambitious group of people started the school as the community wanted to have its students stay at home and not have to be bused off the island to Manatee Middle School. They and following board members proudly developed an educational program, after-school activities and an athletic program that from day one outshined many schools.

ROGER LALONDE / Eagle staff

The new Marco Island Charter Middle School is getting its final touches, including landscaping, as it prepares to open for the school year on Aug. 20.

Story: A community effort scores big (07-15-07)

Marco Island was on its own when it came to funding the initial school. However, its educational advancements became the talk of the county. To the point that the county school district, and state, agreed to make funds available for the construction of the school.

The hard work of the first board set the stage for what was to come with dedicated teachers and staff that have given the community its money’s worth.