Calusa Elementary School officially opened its doors on Monday, December 14th, 1981. The staff and 529 students had been sharing space since August 31st with 1,057 Devon Aire Elementary School students. Calusa opened four months ahead of schedule epitomizing the school’s motto “A Step Ahead”, designed by Anthony Leon, a 5th grade student. James W. Gould, Principal and Nelda Thompson, Assistant Principal assisted the students as they boarded nine school buses taking them to their new campus at 9580 W. Calusa Club Drive.

The School Board named State School “N” Calusa Elementary School, reflecting the name of the subdivision containing the school. The school colors are blue and gold. Calusa’s school song is sung to the tune of “Consider Yourself.”