Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Bay Haven School
Bay Haven School is one of two elementary schools built in Sarasota from identical plans to accommodate population growth resulting from the 1920s real estate boom. Bay Haven and Southside Elementary were designed by architect M. Leo Elliott, a New York-trained practitioner with offices in Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando and St. Petersburg. Both schools reflect the Mediterranean Revival Style; each costing $77.000 to build. Their locations-Bay Haven north of the city center and Southside to its south-reflected the advice of nationally renowned land planner John Nolen, city planner of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who recommended two schools in the outlying residential areas.
Designed for 600 students, Bay Haven School opened in 1926. Mrs. Mason H. Rose was its first principal. Active support by a vigorous Bay Haven Parents-Teacher Association instilled pride in the school. At its first meeting, held November 4, 1927, Mrs. Benjamin F. McCall was elected president, dues of 50 cents were established, and the first student program was presented.
In 1957, Bay Haven established the county's first staffed in-house elementary school library. In 1962, Bay Haven became the first integrated county elementary school and enrolled 29 black students. Bay Haven School became the site of the first kindergarten in a Sarasota County public school in 1964. In 1983, the Bay Haven School of Basics Plus initiated a written contract between student, family and school to enforce academic and behavioral standards. It requires parents to attend PTA meetings and volunteer time annually to the school. In 1990, the school received the National Elementary School Recognition Program Award.
The school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Erected 1995 by Sarasota County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 27° 21.718′ N, 82° 33.06′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. Marker is on West Tamiami Circle north of Tennessee Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2901 West Tamiami Circle, Sarasota FL 34234, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indian Beach (approx. 0.4 miles away); Whitaker Family/Gateway 2000 Executive Committee (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Booker Schools (approx. 0.8 miles away); Newtown / Helen R. Payne Day Nursery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Whitaker Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Mary Wyatt Whitaker (approx. one mile away); Crocker Memorial Church (approx. one mile away); Yellow Bluffs (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 2, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 4. submitted on March 3, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.