Welcome to Southport Elementary School

Home of the Eagles – Strong in Body, Mind, and Spirit

Welcome to Southport Elementary School! It is an honor to serve as Principal of a school with such a rich history, strong community values, and a deep commitment to academic excellence. At Southport, we believe in educating the whole child and creating a learning environment where students, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and inspired every single day.

A school has existed in our area since the early 1880s, when the community was known as Anderson. In 1906, approximately 30 families settled here following the completion of a new lumber mill. A two-story building was constructed on our current site, with two of its four rooms serving as the school. Just one year later, in 1907, the community officially adopted the name Southport. From those humble beginnings to the thriving school we are today, one thing has remained the same, the people of Southport have always been its heart.

The Southport community is made up of hardworking, compassionate, and generous individuals, the kind of people who would give you the shirt off their back. Every year, our community rallies to support families in need through multiple outreach efforts. We collect food for our annual Thanksgiving drive, provide Christmas assistance for families experiencing hardship, and come together to meet immediate needs whenever they arise. Last year alone, our school and community collected more than 10,000 jars of peanut butter to support food banks across Bay County. These traditions are not isolated acts of kindness; they reflect who we are as a community.

Our school also hosts several events that bring students, families, and community members together. Each fall, our annual Fall Festival draws not only our current families but also alumni and long-time community members who once attended Southport themselves. In the spring, our Celebration of Learning brings local businesses, community leaders, and elected officials onto our campus to share hands-on demonstrations and real-world experiences with our students, opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, we also hold quarterly Flag Raising ceremonies. If you happen to drive by during one of these events, you’ll hear our Eagles proudly singing patriotic songs led by our music teacher, a tradition that highlights our strong sense of pride and patriotism.

Southport Elementary continues to be recognized for outstanding academic performance. Year after year, our school consistently earns an A–B rating on the Florida state school grading system. This reflects the dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the unwavering support of our families.

What truly makes Southport a special place is the character and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families. Each day we strive to live by our school motto: Strong in Body, Mind, and Spirit. Our teachers create nurturing, structured learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and challenged. Our staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every child feels welcomed and valued. Southport is more than a school, it is a family. It is the best place to work, and most importantly, the best place to learn.

Go Eagles

Todd Harless

Southport Elementary School

Our Teachers Now and Then!