Bay Haven School of Basics Plus in Sarasota County's only school recognized nationally as a "Blue Ribbon School" and has been a "Five Star School" for nineteen (19) years. In our twenty-sixth year as Sarasota County's only magnet elementary school, our program was developed emphasizing a back-to-basics approach with strong discipline; contracts for parents, students, and staff; and some program offerings not available in other Sarasota Schools. Seats are filled on a "First-come, first-served" basis. The length of our "Waiting Lists" for each grade level, and the "Waiting Lists" in place for incoming Kindergartners, are a strong indicator of our success.

School Vision: The Bay Haven School of Basics Plus is based on the premise that all students can grow academically, physically, and emotionally in a highly structured environment. 

School Mission: Bay Haven School of Basics Plus provides a highly structured environment through the collaboration of the staff, students, and parents. High expectations are maintained through written contract commitments.

Awards

• A National School of Merit (Blue Ribbon School)

• An "A" School

• A 5-Star School

• A Golden School Award Winner

• Instructors "A+" School Award 

Goals
The goals of Bay Haven School of Basics Plus are to work with the school community in an environment which will foster a positive self-image and self-concept and to assist students in achieving a high level of proficiency in the 
following areas:

1. The ability to read and comprehend written materials.

2. The ability to write in a clear and correct manner using a variety of forms. 

3. The ability to understand mathematical concepts and to carry out mathematical computations.

4. The ability to understand science concepts and their relationship to the work and activities of our society.

5. Increased awareness and knowledge of their world and the world around them.

6. The ability to appreciate other cultures.

7. An understanding and appreciation of the fine arts, and achievement of basic skills in those areas.

8. An understanding of computer application and the skills of interacting with computers.

9. An understanding and appreciation of physical education and a lifelong understanding of physical fitness.

10. An awareness of reference materials available and experience in the use of these information sources to successfully apply it to their schoolwork.

The School Board of Sarasota County, Florida is committed to the philosophy and goals of Bay Haven School of Basics Plus.

History
Bay Haven School is one of two elementary schools built in Sarasota from identical plans to accommodate population growth resulting from the 1920’s real estate boom. Bay Haven and Southside Elementary were developed by architect M. Leo Elliott, a New York-trained practitioner with offices in Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg. Both schools reflect the Mediterranean Revival Style; each cost $77,000 to build. Their locations - Bay Haven north of the city center and Southside to its south - reflect the advice of nationally renowned land planner John Nolen, city planner of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who recommended two schools in the outlying residential areas.

Designed for 600 students, Bay Haven School opened in 1926. Mrs. Mason H. Rose was its first principal. Active support by a vigorous Bay Haven Parent-Teacher Association instilled pride in the school. At its first meeting, held November 4, 1927, Mrs. Benjamin F. McCall was elected president, dues of 50 cents were established, and the first student program was presented. 
The Great Depression closed Sarasota’s public schools for lack of funds on February 24, 1933. The Bay Haven P.T.A. raised cash to operate its school on a tuition basis, sponsoring a dinner to raise tuition for impoverished families. Parents worked in the kitchen and provided vegetables, canned fruits and milk for free lunches for needy students. In 1934, the state P.T.A. convention honored the Bay Haven P.T.A. for its welfare work and membership efforts. 

In 1957, Bay Haven established the county’s first staffed in-house elementary school library. In 1962, Bay Haven became the first integrated county elementary school and enrolled 29 black students. Bay Haven School became the site of the first kindergarten in a Sarasota County public school in 1964. In 1983, the Bay Haven School of Basics Plus initiated a written contract between student, family, and school to enforce academic and behavioral standards. It requires parents to attend P.T.O. meetings and volunteer time annually to the school. In 1990, the school received the National Elementary School Recognition Program Award. 

The school was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982