Oldsmar Elementary May Become a K-8 School: What Families Need to Know (2026 Update)
Big news for Oldsmar families: Pinellas County Schools has proposed expanding Oldsmar Elementary School into a K-8 campus, meaning students could attend the same school from kindergarten through 8th grade starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
This proposal is part of the district’s broader “Planning for Progress” initiative, which looks at ways to better use school buildings as enrollment shifts across Pinellas County.
🏫 What’s Being Proposed?
If approved, Oldsmar Elementary would add middle school grades (6–8) while continuing to serve elementary students. This would turn the campus into a full K-8 school, similar to models used successfully in other parts of the county.
🤔 Why Is This Being Considered?
Pinellas County Schools is responding to:
📉 Declining enrollment in some areas
🏫 Underused school buildings
🚫 A desire to avoid state-mandated “Schools of Hope” takeovers by keeping campuses fully utilized
By expanding certain schools into K-8 campuses, the district can keep students closer to home and make better use of existing facilities.
👨👩👧 What Could This Mean for Families?
Potential benefits include:
✔️ Fewer school transitions for students
✔️ Keeping siblings on the same campus longer
✔️ Reduced bussing to other middle schools
Of course, families also have questions about campus layout, scheduling, and how middle school programs would be integrated - which is why community feedback is a key part of this process.
🗣️ Community Meetings & Next Steps
Pinellas County Schools has been hosting community meetings to gather input from families and residents. After reviewing feedback, the School Board is expected to:
📅 Discuss the proposal at a workshop in mid-February
🗳️ Hold a final vote later in February
If approved, planning and campus updates would begin ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.
📍 What Should Oldsmar Residents Do?
If you have a student at Oldsmar Elementary - or plan to in the future, it’s a great idea to:
Attend school board or community meetings
Follow updates from Pinellas County Schools
Reach out to school administrators with questions or concerns
I’ll continue to share updates here on Oldsmar Living as new information becomes available. I would VERY excited if this was to pass! What do you think? Would love to read your comments!
👉 If you’re exploring school options across the area, I also put together a helpful guide on school systems and magnet school programs in Pinellas County, where I break down traditional public schools, specialty programs, and what families should know when choosing the right fit for their child. You can read that full guide here:
👉 School Systems & Magnet Schools in Pinellas County – EveryDay Tampa Bay
