Ave Maria Welcomes First Public School
A new chapter in education is coming to Ave Maria. In August 2026, Ave Maria Elementary School will open its doors as the first public school in town, marking an important milestone for the community.
L to R: Asst. Principal Matthew Sibert, Principal Bev Budzynski, Cardinal mascot, CCPS Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli
Located at 4050 Anthem Parkway N, the school will serve students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and accommodate up to 900 students. Operated by Collier County Public Schools, Ave Maria Elementary is thoughtfully designed to provide a modern, collaborative, and close-knit environment where kids can foster strong relationships with their fellow students and teachers.
The opening of Ave Maria Elementary adds another on-site educational option for families. Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) District has earned an “A” rating for the 2025-2026 school year from the Florida Department of Education and is only of only five Florida districts to be rated as an “A” for the last nine years. Along with The Palm Preschool, Ave Maria Catholic Academy (formerly Donahue Academy’s private K-12 program), a strong homeschooling community, Ave Maria University, and The Freedom Institute’s newly announced high school, the new elementary school will help meet the needs of Ave Maria’s growing population.
For Principal Beverly Budzynski, the school’s opening is especially meaningful. A resident of Ave Maria since 2021, Budzynski brings more than 40 years of experience in education and a connection to the community she
will now serve. After retiring from public education, she thought her days as a principal were behind her. That changed when construction of the new school began.
“I missed being a principal, missed the school system, missed the every day to day of it,” said Budzynski. “The building was being started and living in the community I would walk by thinking, maybe I should do it.”
After ultimately deciding to apply for the position of principal, Budzynski was selected to lead Ave Maria’s first public school. Her vision for this school centers on creating a welcoming environment where students, families and educators feel connected both inside and outside the classroom.
That sense of community is one of the qualities Budzynski believes will make the school unique. Many staff members live in Ave Maria, and several will have children attending the school themselves, which strengthens the staff members’ connection to the school and reinforces a shared investment in its growth and excellence. Students may see their teachers at community events, around town or even at the local Publix, which overall reinforces the small-town atmosphere that Ave Maria is built upon.
The school will place a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development and leadership. Budzynski hopes students will take pride in helping shape the school’s culture and traditions from day one.
“They’re setting the stage,” said Budzynski. “It’s their school. It’s the kids and community’s school.”
The school’s connection to the community extends beyond its campus. Budzynski hopes residents, businesses, and organizations will play an active role in supporting students and celebrating their success. One initiative she is already exploring would allow community members to nominate students who demonstrate positive character traits outside of school.
For prospective homebuyers considering Ave Maria, it’s important to know that enrollment at Ave Maria Elementary School is available throughout the year. Families can complete the enrollment process online through Collier County Public Schools at collierschools.com/enroll, providing flexibility for those relocating on their own timeline.
As Ave Maria continues to grow, the addition of Ave Maria Elementary School reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to education. With experienced leadership, dedicated teachers and strong community support, the town’s first public school is already becoming an important part of the community. For more information visit their website: aes.collierschools.com; call (239) 377-9400; contact Principal Budzynski at budzyb@collierschools.com. For general FAQ please email AveMaria@CollierSchools.com or follow their social media pages @AveMariaElementary.