By NewsLine Staff
mail@floridanewsline.com
Mandarin High School has announced the expansion of its Medical Academy with the addition of a state-of-the-art building designed to further support the training and development of future healthcare professionals. A special groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility occurred in 2024 and school leaders now share that this facility is scheduled to be fully operational by fall 2025. The new addition will enhance the school’s ability to offer advanced learning opportunities to its students, ensuring that the next generation of doctors, nurses, medical researchers, and other healthcare professionals are well-equipped to succeed in their careers.
The Mandarin High School Medical Academy currently mentors nearly 300 students, providing them with hands-on experience and a rigorous curriculum that bridges classroom learning with real-world healthcare practice. The program has earned recognition for its success in preparing students for postsecondary education and careers in the medical field.
“We are thrilled to continue to grow our Medical Academy and provide our students with the resources they need to thrive,” said Sara Bravo, principal of Mandarin High School. “The addition of this new building will not only allow us to expand the scope of our program but also enhance the learning experience with advanced medical technology, lab spaces and collaborative learning areas. This is an exciting step forward in our commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
The new facility will include cutting-edge classrooms, simulation labs and spaces designed for specialized healthcare training, providing students with the opportunity to work with the latest medical equipment and techniques. These enhancements will ensure students are not only prepared for college and professional certification programs but are also exposed to the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
“We are proud of the strong partnerships we have cultivated with local healthcare organizations, which provide invaluable mentorship and internship opportunities for our students,” said program director Renate Dewberry, NREMT.
Mandarin High School’s commitment to healthcare education is part of a broader initiative to expand career and technical education programs, preparing students for success in a wide range of fields. The school’s Medical Academy has seen an increase in enrollment and student interest year after year, reflecting the growing demand for healthcare professionals across the region and nationwide.
Contact Renate Dewberry at dewberryr@duvalschools.org or visit https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/mhs/page/mandarin-medical-academy for more information about the Mandarin High School Medical Academy or to learn how you can support the program.
Photo courtesy Tim Durkin
Assistant Principal Tim Durkin and Principal Sara Bravo with a ceremonial truss during a “topping out” to signify the last of the roof trusses going onto the new building.
