FORZA Education Management Celebrates Centennial Anniversary of Historic Parrish Schoolhouse

PARRISH — FORZA Education Management proudly commemorates the Centennial anniversary of the historic Parrish Schoolhouse, which has been beautifully restored and repurposed as the FORZA Child Development Center.

In July 2021, on a warm summer day, FORZA Education Management breathed new life into the historic building, returning it to its original educational purpose. Chuck Malatesta, CEO of FORZA, reflected on the restoration, saying, “We loved the concept of a historic schoolhouse, and everyone was eager to restore it to its original purpose.”

The journey of the Parrish Schoolhouse began after the previous structure was abandoned in 1895. Construction of the current two-story tile and stucco building commenced in 1924 on the same property, opening with 12 grades and serving children from the local area. Historical records indicate the school closed in the late 1960s or early 1970s, remaining vacant for years until Manatee County Rural Health opened a clinic there. The building also served as the YMCA – Parrish Community Center before closing in 2020.
Today, the Parrish Schoolhouse stands as a testament to its rich history and enduring purpose. William Staros, COO, explained, "We are incredibly proud to be part of the history of this building and the Parrish community itself." The Parrish Foundation, which owns the building, partnered closely with FORZA Education Management to restore the structure while preserving its historical essence. The schoolhouse retains its original doors, floors, interior windows, and general layout, allowing guests to experience the charm and history of the original schoolhouse during tours.

The FORZA Child Development Center at the Parrish Schoolhouse now educates over 170 three-and-four-year-olds, featuring new landscaping, playgrounds, covered outdoor areas, and updated technology, including tablets, laptops, and security cameras.

FORZA Education Management is honored to celebrate the centennial anniversary of this iconic building on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 12214 U.S. 301 N., Parrish, FL, 34219 and invite the Parrish community to join in the celebration. This event reaffirms FORZA’s commitment to preserving history while providing a state-of-the-art learning environment for young minds.

About the FORZA Child Development Center at the Parrish Schoolhouse:
The FORZA Child Development Center at the Parrish Schoolhouse proudly serves the families of the Parrish community. Our center is dedicated to providing an enriching and nurturing environment for children while understanding the unique needs of working parents. Founded on the principle of offering parents a choice in their child's early education, we are committed to giving today's children the opportunity to succeed. At FORZA CDC, we believe that all children can and will learn when given the chance.

About FORZA Education Management:
FORZA Education Management is a renowned education management company dedicated to partnering with schools to provide comprehensive support and resources. With a focus on academic excellence and operational efficiency, FORZA Education Management empowers educational institutions to thrive and deliver exceptional educational experiences.

For more information, please visit FORZAedu.com.