February 5, 2026
Brevard Public Schools (BPS) marked an important moment today with the groundbreaking of its new K–12 Separate Day School, a purpose‑built facility designed to provide structure, stability, and strong support for students with significant behavioral and emotional needs. The new school reflects the district’s commitment to responsible planning, measured growth, and meeting the needs of every student in a safe, focused, and well‑designed environment.
Built on the campus of Kennedy Middle School in Rockledge, the Separate Day School will offer a highly structured, therapeutic setting where students can learn, grow, and build the skills necessary to succeed both in school and in life. The project represents a thoughtful investment in families who depend on dependable, individualized services—and it does so without adding debt to the district.
Purposeful Design for Students and Families
Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the new facility brings together academic instruction, behavioral guidance, and emotional support under one roof. Its central county location ensures families across Brevard have fair access to the services their children need.
The school is designed with intention and care, featuring:
Highly structured classrooms
Sensory regulation and calming spaces
Dedicated areas for mental health and therapeutic support
Safety‑focused, predictable design elements
Technology‑enhanced learning tools
Outdoor spaces built for structured play and emotional regulation
This facility represents a thoughtful balance of innovation and practicality—creating an environment where students can thrive while the district maintains a strong commitment to financial responsibility.
From the School Board
Matt Susin, School Board Chair
“This project embodies our belief that every student in Brevard deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment built specifically for their success. Breaking ground today means we are building more than a school—we are building stability, hope, and a future where students with the greatest needs have access to the strongest support. I couldn’t be prouder of our district for investing in these children and for taking a bold step toward transforming lives for years to come.”
Megan Wright, School Board Member, District 1
“I am so incredibly excited and proud to break ground on a school that will serve our most vulnerable student population in Brevard. These children face more challenges daily than most of us can ever imagine, and they take these challenges head on and teach us all what really matters! We are ecstatic to open this brand‑new school—incurring no debt to the district—that will change generations to come!”
Gene Trent, School Board Member, District 2
“This groundbreaking is more than the start of a construction project—it is a promise to our students and families that we see them; we value them; and we are committed to giving them every opportunity to thrive. Gardendale Separate Day School will be a place built with intention, compassion, and high expectations, ensuring that every child has access to the supportive environment they deserve.”
John Thomas, School Board Member, District 3
“Gardendale's groundbreaking represents a powerful commitment to meeting students where they are and providing the specialized support they need to succeed. Gardendale Separate Day School will be a place of hope, growth, and opportunity for students, families, and our entire community.”
Katye Campbell, School Board Member, District 5
“As a district, we often talk about meeting students’ needs—but this school is a living example of what it looks like to truly put those words into action. Every child who goes through these doors deserves to be seen, supported, and understood, and this facility ensures they will never have to face their challenges alone. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality for our students and their families.”
A Strong Step Forward
Today’s groundbreaking represents a principled investment in students who rely on consistent structure and specialized care. By building this school with no added debt and with careful attention to safety, stability, and purpose, Brevard Public Schools is demonstrating a long‑term commitment to families—and to a future where every student is given the tools they need to succeed.