PORT ST. LUCIE — The new K-8 school under construction in Tradition, long-tentatively known as “Western Grove K-8,” officially has a name.
It will now be called “Tradition Lakes K-8,” according to an Oct. 29 news release from the St. Lucie County School District.
The 225,000-square-foot school, which is costing the school district $76 million, is near the southeast corner of Powerline Road and Tradition Parkway, about a mile from the recently opened Legacy High School. Tradition Lakes is scheduled to open in August, in time for next school year.
A ribbon cutting and plaque presentation occurred at the new Legacy High School on Aug. 26, 2025, in Port St. Lucie. St. Lucie Public Schools board members and staff attended the event, with a brief walk through several areas of the campus while class was in session.
Though not yet open, the school, where about 1,900 students are expected to enroll, already has a principal.
“Tradition Lakes K-8 represents more than a location. It symbolizes the vibrant, growing community we serve and the promise of a school where every child can thrive. I’m honored to help shape its future,” Principal LaTanya Greene said in the news release.
The new K-8 school is the latest in a string of recent investments by St. Lucie schools, which include $93 million spent to build Legacy and the new $101.5 million campus for Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, which is due to open in January.
Another new K-8 school also is being planned, which could open as early as 2028, adjacent to the existing Dan McCarty Middle School in Fort Pierce. It would serve students currently attending St. Lucie and Lawnwood elementary schools and Dan McCarty Middle School, replacing those three schools.
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Wicker Perlis is TCPalm’s Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at wicker.perlis@tcpalm.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: St. Lucie County Public Schools announces name for Western Grove K-8