August 3, 2026
Welcome to ParentSquare!
Our school is using ParentSquare! We are excited to let you know that this year we'll be using ParentSquare to communicate with you at the school and in your classrooms and groups.
Apalachee Elementary
Magnet School of the Arts - Home of the Shining Stars
School Profile

Mission Statement:
Our mission is to nurture a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child is valued, empowered, and inspired to learn. We are dedicated to fostering curiosity, building foundational skills, and encouraging a love for lifelong learning.
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment: 450 students
Principal: Dr. Pam Hightower
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Linda John
Assistant Principal: Ms. Baleasa Hill
School Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:50 PM
Breakfast Hours 7:45 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.
Supervision Hours: 7:45 a.m - 3:15 p.m.
Principal’s Message
Looking for an elementary program that pairs rigorous academics with purposeful arts integration? Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts (ATMSA) has been Leon County’s pioneering magnet school since 1999. Our model embeds the arts into data-driven, state-approved core curriculum, offering students enriched options like media, gardening, chorus, visual art, and theater.
We focus on the whole child and measurable student outcomes. Enrollment is open for the 2026–2027 school year. Interested in learning how arts integration can enhance student performance and engagement? Let’s connect to discuss partnership and enrollment opportunities.
Warm regards,
Dr. Pam Hightower
Phone: 850 488 7110 | Email
Per F.S. § 1006.28(2)(d)3
Per F.S. § 1006.28(2)(d)3
Per F.S. § 1006.28(2)(d)4
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We offer a range of programs, including special education, English language development, gifted education, and counseling services to support diverse student needs.
Safety is our top priority. We have secure campus entry points, regular emergency drills, and on-site staff trained in emergency response. Our visitor management system ensures that all guests are signed in and monitored.
Our elementary school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m., with before and after-school programs available for families needing extended care. Morning supervision is available 7:45 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. Free breakfast is served for all students until 8:20 a.m.
Registration is straightforward and can be done online or in person at the school office. Required documents include proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization records.
We welcome family involvement! Parents can volunteer in classrooms, join the PTA, participate in family nights, or attend school events. Your involvement strengthens our school community and supports your child's learning experience. Please visit the LeonSchools Volunteer Program to complete a background check.
Technology is integrated to enhance learning, with resources such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and educational software that support students' digital literacy and engagement.
August 28, 2026
Leon County School Board Approves Resolution Supporting Lawton Chiles High School’s Recertification as Florida Purple Star School of DistinctionLeon County’s first and only Purple Star campus seeks...
August 26, 2026
LEON COUNTY SCHOOLS LAUNCHES “READ IT YOUR WAY, LEON!” DISTRICTWIDE READING CHALLENGEStudents and employees log more than 1 million minutes toward the district’s goal of 27 million minutes in 2026–...
August 14, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 14, 2026LEON COUNTY SCHOOLS VPK PROGRAMS EARN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE DESIGNATIONSAll 26 district VPK sites meet or exceed state expectations for 2025–2026TALLAHASSEE, F...
August 6, 2026
We cannot wait to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
July 24, 2026
NOTICE OFPROPOSED TAX INCREASEThe Leon County School Board will soon consider a measure to increase its property tax levy.Last year’s property tax levy Initially proposed tax levy...$156,486,546 Le...
July 21, 2026
Beginning today, families can register their students for bus transportation through the FOCUS Parent Portal for the 2026–2027 school year.Registering early helps Leon County Schools plan bus route...


See Something…Hear Something…Say Something!
For the latest information on enhanced safety procedures and the LCS Safe Schools Initiative, visit Safety & Security.
Three ways to report anonymously:
⇒ By Phone:
850-922-KIDS
850-922-5437
⇒ By Email
Email: 922kids@leonschools.net
⇒ Submit a tip immediately here - getfortifyfl
or
You can Download the Fortify FL Tips app directly to your phone for easy access on demand.
Fortify FL
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.
For an Immediate, Life-Threatening Emergency, Please Dial 911.
Please Note: Florida Statute 943.082 states that following an investigation, if it is determined that a person knowingly submitted a false tip through FortifyFl, the individual may be subject to criminal charges under FL statute 837.05.
AppAbuseWarning #ItsNoJoke
This group is designed to allow our school to interact with individuals who are not already directly connected to our students or the broader community. Please use this to create a "Guest" account in our system! Note: If you are a contact for a student who may not have custodial rights (Step-Parent, Grandparent, relative, Guardian, etc. ), you will need to join this group before attempting to use any group through a shared QR code/Link from a teacher, athletic coach, or EDEP Director.