Ponte Vedra High School

Ponte Vedra High School is a public high school in the St. Johns County School District, located in northeast St. Johns County, Florida. The high school was constructed to relieve overcrowding at Allen D. Nease High School.OverviewThe school is within the Nocatee Development of Regional Impact and zoned for the community of Ponte Vedra Beach, but only communities across the river are actually zoned for the school. Total budget was $63,590,000, which included building, grounds, furniture and equipment.Ponte Vedra High School has a capacity of 1,500 students. The school is composed of three connected two-story building clusters with an open courtyard in the center. The gymnasium and auditorium are on opposite sides with athletic facilities in the rear. The school graduated their first senior class in June, 2010. The school mascot is the shark, named "Bruce" and their colors are Ponte Vedra (Carolina) blue, black, silver and white. The main feeder school is Landrum Middle School.The school's first principal was Craig Speziale, who was hired the year before the school opened in 2008 and served until February, 2014 when his treatment for colon cancer forced him to leave. Speziale died on April 19th, just prior to his 52nd birthday. Speziale was succeeded by Steve McCormick who currently serves as Principal.AcademicsThe advanced scholars program gives students the option to participate in the rigorous programs of advanced placement, dual enrollment and honors courses. As of the 2016-2017 school year, US News ranks Ponte Vedra High School as the 20th best high school in Florida. Nationally, Ponte Vedra is rated as 214th. In a ranking of STEM programs, Ponte Vedra was ranked 208th in the country. US News awarded the school a Gold Medal rating overall.