Florida’s last one teacher schoolhouse has closed its doors.

  • Duette Elementary School opened its doors in 1930
  • Small student body, lack of county support led to school closing

On Thursday, Duette Elementary held classes for the last time. Students spent the day signing yearbooks, getting awards, and playing water games outside.

Their teacher who also serves as the school's the principal, said it was a day she’ll never forget.

“It is a sad day, because this school holds memories for older community members who went to school here,” said Donna King, teaching principal at Duette. King has been at the school for 23 years.

King said the school, which opened its doors in 1930 on State Road 62 just west of State Road 37, had a hard time attracting children in the area. A small student body, combined with a lack of support from the Manatee County School District, led to its demise.

Duette's final 11 students, ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade, will need to find new schools for the next year.

Photo: Summer Smith, staff

Parents said they’re heartbroken.

“I think it’s a huge loss,” said Allison Vetzel.  “We lost a piece of the community here by shutting down the school.”

Vetzel’s 9-year old daughter, Maddie is also sad.

“Apparently next year we may go to home school or go to a regular school,” said Maddie, who just finished up her third grade year.  “I’m going to have to be in a different home room than my sister Katie, who is in first grade.”

Even though the school is closing, the building may still be a part of students' education in the future. The district is considering using the school as a historical location for field trips.

“[The district is] going to develop a curriculum of history for the school, and the students will come here for a field trip,” said King.

The building could also be used as a place for meetings and celebrations, and plans in the works to get the school site on the National Register of Historic Places.