‘Tis the school season

Turn on the alarm clocks, the lazy days of summer are winding down and a new school year is right around the corner. Bookbags are being packed. Pencils sharpened. First-day outfits picked out. The anticipation of brand new possibilities of a new school year are fresh in the air. 

Need a little help turning off summer mode and switching on the school-day routine? We’ve got you. Here’s how families at Wildlight are gearing up for the 2025-2026 year ahead. 

A+ Education, Just Steps from Home

At Wildlight, learning is woven into everyday life. We’re proud to be located in the A-rated Nassau County School District— ranked #1 in all of Florida. Talk about an A+ win for the community. 

Right here in Wildlight, our very own Trailblazers walk and bike on the 12+ miles of trails to Wildlight Elementary School. That means drop-off and pick-up are much easier. Parents appreciate the low teacher-to-student ratio. And kids love the playground and outdoor learning center that brings the nature part of our Town in Nature into their curriculum. 

Have a little one that’s not quite ready for elementary school? There’s two early learning centers in the community where curiosity leads the way. They’ll spend their days learning through play and exploring, adding educational fun into their schedules. 

Start School in Style 

A fresh school year means new friends, a new teacher and… new school supplies! Thanks to the Nassau County School District, all supply lists can be found on their handy website. Just filter for your school, print your list and head out to stores to find the supplies that match your personality, hobby or favorite color. And here’s a tip— the annual Back-to-School Tax Free holiday runs all of August. You’re welcome, parents!

And if your student wants to wait until the first bell rings to pick out that perfect folder or pencil pouch, we’ve got you covered. Back-to-Schoolapalooza returns to Tinker Street on Saturday, August 16th. There’ll be a foam party, custom water bottle stations, and plenty of chances to make this year feel extra special. The Wildlight YMCA and UF Health Wildlight will also be there helping families prepare for a healthy and happy season ahead. 

Have a few extra notebooks or crayons laying around the house? We’ll be collecting school supplies for Wildlight Elementary School classrooms. Look for the yellow donation bins! 

So long, summer 

Want to spend a few extra days out in nature before the school doors open? No problem. There’s still time for one last splash or two before the school routine kicks in. With four parks in the community, every parent and kiddo has something to look forward to. Like competitive pickleball games at Coin Toss Park to lounging at Waterbug Pool or kayaking Whistling Duck Pond. Which leads to our next question, does school really have to start?

Although the long days spent in the great outdoors are coming to an end, there’s always a reason to celebrate in Wildlight. After a long day of back to school shopping or even the first day of school, grab a sweet treat at Rita’s Ice at the Crossings at Wildlight. With a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, it’s the perfect way to erase the first day jitters. 

And parents, make sure to treat yourself too. Stop by Foxtail Coffee for a caffeinating cup of coffee after drop off or Bohemian Bull for enticing beer on the weekend. You deserve it.

Make it a great year  

Whether you’re sending your little one off for the first time or watching your senior enjoy their last “first day,” we’re cheering you on. Here’s to a year of bright possibilities, endless high-fives, and lots of gold stars. Go Wildlight Trailblazers!