Orange City Elementary School Groundbreaking

Volusia County Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Orange City Elementary School on Monday, March 18, marking a new era for a school with a rich history in Orange City.

“The true legacy of our success will not lie in the bricks that we lay or the walls that we raise but in the lives we touch, the minds that we shape and the futures we inspire,” said Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin. "Thank you for doing all of those things, and thank you for making this a reality for our students.” 

The school was originally constructed in 1878 and will be rebuilt at its current location in Orange City. The first phase of the new school is projected to be completed for the 2025 school year. 

“Orange City Elementary has been a beacon of learning and growth for generations,” said District 5 School Board Representative Ruben Colón. “Our town's history is deep with resilience, determination and the deep-rooted belief in the power of education to transform lives.” 

The frontage of the new school campus will pay homage to the existing office building’s Spanish Mission architecture. The design will incorporate new administration offices, a media center, art and music classrooms, a new parent drop-off and pick-up line and onsite parking spaces. The school will support over 700 students immersed in a 21st-century learning environment with enhanced technology and security systems.

“Our new facility will be state-of-the-art with modern technology, allowing us to serve as a beacon of learning and opportunity for all of our students,” said Principal Virginia Freeman. “We will provide students with an environment that nurtures creativity, fosters critical thinking and prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow." 

Joining Orange City Elementary, Volusia County Schools, and the Volusia County School Board in the groundbreaking were Schenkel Shultz Architecture, Ajax Building Company,

Senator Tom Wright, Orange City Council members, Orange City Police Department, the DeLand and Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Central Florida, Orange City PTA, parents, students, and current and former staff members.