For parents, a quality school, whether it’s for day care service or primary education, is a top priority. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the right fir for your child. And if you’re looking for after school ideas or tutoring help, we’ve got you covered here too!
HILLSBOROUGH
Academy of the Holy Names
3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa
813-839-5371; www.holynamestpa.org
The Catholic academy features a coeducational elementary and a college prep high school for young women. Teachers integrate technology, encourage artistic expression and actively engage students in exploration and inquiry. Students also are challenged to grow spiritually and engage in community service.
Bayshore Christian School
3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa
813-839-4297; www.bayshorechristianschool.orgÂ
The school’s college preparatory program focuses on core academic subjects, with enrichment programs in performing arts, visual arts, foreign language, computer, media science and physical education. Students have athletic opportunities at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity level. Upper school students are prepared for college through dual enrollment and advanced placement courses.
Berkeley Preparatory School
4811 Kelly Road, Tampa
813-885-1673; www.berkeleyprep.org
A coeducational, independent college-preparatory day school for children in prekindergarten through grade 12, Berkeley is dedicated to academic excellence, character development, the arts and athletics. Its curriculum is designed to support the talent and ambition of each student. The school strives to instill a strong sense of morality, ethics and social responsibility in its students.
Carrollwood Day School
1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
813-920-2288; www.carrollwooddayschool.org
The sixth school in the U.S. to offer all three International Baccalaureate programs, the school believes that education involves the whole child, including academics, character development, physical fitness and emotional intelligence. A highly qualified staff provides a rigorous education within a caring learning community. CDS aims to teach children how to think for a lifetime.
Christ the King Catholic School
3809 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa
813-870-3262; www.cks-school.org
Serving students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, the school encourages students to reach their full potential. For more than 60 years, students have thrived in an engaging environment with enhancements that include music, art, foreign language, physical education, public speaking and more.
Citrus Park Christian School
7705 Gunn Hwy., Tampa
813-920-3960;Â www.citrusparkchristianschool.
Corbett Preparatory School of IDS
12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa
813-961-3087; www.corbettprep.com
Formerly named Independent Day School, the school founded in 1968 aims to provide a dynamic, caring and highly academic environment, offering the International Baccalaureate program as well as extensive fine arts, sports and technology programs to students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Schedule a personal tour through the admissions office.
Creative First Steps Preschool
15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa
813-969-0240; www.mjpaa.com
The program combines the performing arts and academics, utilizing instructors who hold bachelor’s degrees in education and fine arts. Discover the difference during the school’s open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15. Families are invited to attend.
Hillsborough Magnet Schools
813-272-4811; www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet
The unique instructional strategies at each magnet school emphasize an integrated curriculum supported by technology-rich environments and learner-centered educational communities. Teachers are skilled in the use of such strategies as problem-solving based learning and cooperative learning groups.
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Holy Trinity Lutheran School
3723 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa
813-839-0665, www.holytrinitytampa.org/school
For over 50 years Holy Trinity Lutheran School has provided opportunities for children to develop educational foundations upon which to build a lifelong love of learning. The school emphasizes a culture in which students grow academically and in their relationship with God. Step-Up for Students scholarships are accepted.
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Kiddie Academy
2566 E. State Road 60, Valrico
813-684-3555; www.kiddieacademy.com/Valrico
This educational day care aims to prepare children for school and life. The educators are trained to stay involved in every aspect of the children’s day to help facilitate teachable moments. Its Life Essentials curriculum offers opportunities for your child to learn even while playing. The school offers VPK, meals, webcams for parent viewing, Kindermusik and more.
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Lee Academy for Gifted Education
8613 Twin Lakes Blvd., Tampa
813-931-3316; www.leegiftedacademy.com
The school’s approach to education is based on Dr. Barbara Clark’s integrative education model and strives to give equal importance to the four human functions — thinking/cognitive, feeling/emotional, physical/sensing and the intuitive. It does not emphasize testing; however, its students score high on standardized and college tests.
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The Montessori Children’s House of Hyde Park
2416 W. Cleveland St., Tampa
813-354-9511; www.hydeparkmontessori.com
Montessori offers children a warm and nurturing environment to learn at their own pace and develop skills for life-long learning. The school is dedicated to providing a quality Montessori education to children ages 3 to 12. Parents are invited to visit the school and meet its staff from noon to 3 p.m. Jan 13.
Seffner Christian Academy
11605 U.S. 92 E., Seffner
813-626-0001; www.scacrusaders.com
Providing a challenging educational program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in a Christ-centered environment is the school’s focus. It aims to develop young men and women of integrity who are committed to God and have a desire to impact the world for Christ. With 30 years of experience, the academy is accredited by ACSI and SACS.
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St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School
Three locations in Tampa
813-849-6200; www.stjohnseagles.org
The Tampa Bay area’s oldest Episcopal school, it has been nurturing academic excellence in a Christian environment since 1951. Grounded by a commitment to spiritual and ethical values, a love of learning and the development of strong character, the staff works to help students build foundations to grow into caring and successful adults.
St. Mary Episcopal Day School
2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa
813-258-5508; www.smeds.org
Students experience challenging academics, exciting performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, enrichment classes, public speaking, foreign language, advanced technology, including iPads. Serving students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, there is a focus on intellectual, spiritual and personal growth. Specific student goals include integrity, self-discipline, leadership, good citizenship, teamwork and a love for learning.
Sydney’s Academy
4518 S. Manhattan Ave., Tampa
813-835-4591; www.sydneysschoolhouse.com
Sydney’s Academy, formerly Sydney’s School, provides a creative, fun and educational program with an emphasis on cognitive development and socialization. With a 2 to 1 ratio and an inclusion specialist for children with special needs, the academy offers ABA therapy and speech services, among other programs. Sydney’s School also is affiliated with All Children’s Hospital.
Tampa Day School
12606 Henderson Road
813-269-2100; www.tampadayschool.com
This accredited, specialized school serves students in grades one through eight with mild to moderate learning differences, dyslexia, anxiety and ADHD. Its teacher-to-student ratio is 1:10 on average. With an on-site, research-based reading clinic, the school offers rigorous academics as well as the arts, physical education, technology and extracurricular activities.
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo — Zoo School
1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa
813-935-8552, Ext. 268; www.lowryparkzoo.com
The Zoo School is headquarters for more than 100 school holiday camps for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Campers can learn about nature, science and the animal kingdom while hiking through the zoo, exploring behind-the-scenes and cooling off in the water play areas. Classes, sleepovers and birthday parties also are available throughout the year.
Tampa Preparatory School
727 W. Cass St., Tampa
813-251-8481; www.tampaprep.org
Tampa Prep is an independent, coeducational college prep school, serving students in sixth through 12th grade. For more than 30 years, it has been a place to think, create, be yourself, aspire to excellence and go beyond.
Woodmont Charter School
10402 N. 56 St., Temple Terrace
813-708-1596; www.woodmontcharter.orgÂ
This tuition free public charter school serves students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade and is a member of the Charter Schools USA family of schools. Students enjoy a rigorous and challenging curriculum and experiences that will successfully develop the whole child. The school aims to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to be successful in life.
PASCO
Academy at the Lakes
2220 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
813-909-7919; www.academyatthelakes.org
The school aims to provide a learning community of shared values dedicated to the success of each individual at school, in the community and in the world. The school, which serves students in prekindergarten through 12thgrade, aims to inspire lifelong learning and is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Bishop Larkin Catholic School
8408 Monarch Drive, Port Richey
727-862-6981; bishoplarkinschool.vpweb.com
Serving students in prekindergarten through eighth grade for more than 20 years, BLCS offers an educational experience that is rooted in academic excellence and spiritual, physical and leadership development. BLCS has state-of-the-art computer and science labs, an art room, music suite and large media center.
PINELLAS
Admiral Farragut Academy
501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg
727-384-5500; www.farragut.org
A coeducational and college prep school, the academy serves students from prekindergarten through 12th grade, with a five- and seven-day boarding program available for students in grades six through 12. The curriculum emphasizes STEM classes: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Electives include sailing, marine science and aviation.
Canterbury School of Florida
990 62nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg
727-525-1419; www.canterbury-fl.org
Founded in 1968, Canterbury School of Florida offers a diverse and challenging curriculum for students in prekindergarten through grade 12. The curriculum includes 24 advanced placement courses and a unique marine studies program providing hands-on experiences for students at every grade level.
Clearwater Academy
801 Drew St., Clearwater
727-446-1722; www.clearwateracademy.org
While the curriculum that a student studies is important, there is another key ingredient to a child’s success at school. The philosophy at the school is that one of the most important factors in education is determining the child’s goals and developing a program that best matches his interests and skills.
Delphi Academy of Florida
1831 Drew St., Clearwater
727-447-6385; www.delphifl.org
Teachers encourage a love of learning while helping students sharpen study skills and achieve their educational goals. The school serves students in preschool through high school year-round, including a summer camp program. Call to schedule a tour; they are available daily.
Montessori by the Sea
1603 Gulfway, St. Pete Beach
727-360-7621; www.montessori-by-sea.org
The school is dedicated to the Montessori philosophy and method of education through the senses. We strive to implement a child-centered curriculum that includes movement, manipulation and guided discovery within a mixed-age community of children. Trained educators facilitate the delivery of that curriculum in a manner that instills a sense of wonder and nurtures a love of learning.
Northside Christian School
7777 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg
727-541-7593; www.nck12.com
The school serves students in preschool through 12th grade and helps them meet high academic expectations in a Christian environment. Fine arts and music instruction begins at the preschool level and concludes with outstanding theatrical performances and a state championship marching band. The athletic program, which includes the Tampa Bay Times Coach of the Year, features more than 21 sports.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
730 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin
727-733-3776; www.myoll.comÂ
The school combines tradition with contemporary innovation, inspiring and developing young minds with gospel values to embrace the future God intends. The school offers a Christ-centered education to students in early childhood through eighth grade. Featuring honors and enrichment curricula and 20 competitive sports teams, the school aims to provide every child with an individualized learning experience.
Pinellas Education Foundation
12090 Starkey Road, Largo
727-588-4816; www.pinellaseducation.org
The foundation’s mission is to enhance and improve educational opportunities in Pinellas County Schools. It aims to prepare every student for life after high school, whether the choice is to attend college, enter the workforce or obtain technical training.
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Saint Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School
1350 Court St., Clearwater
(727) 461-1207, www.st-cecelia.org
Serving students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, Saint Cecelia is a fully accredited school that is based on the traditions and values of the Catholic Church. Its excellent academic foundation will prepare students to be responsible and effective members of the world community.
Saint Paul’s School
1600 St. Paul’s Drive, Clearwater
727-536-2756; www.st.pauls.edu
Serving children in Prek3 through eighth grade. Saint Paul’s broad-based curriculum allows students the opportunity to discover, learn and grow in a nurturing atmosphere of encouragement, challenge and discipline. The result is a foundation of lasting value, with an investment in the unique potential of each individual.
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 First St. N.E., St. Petersburg
727-456-7511;Â www.shorecrest.org
Since 1923, Florida’s oldest independent day school has provided the consummate college preparatory experience to students in preschool (age 3) through 12th grade. Award-winning teachers provide students with the foundation for lifetime achievement and the 100 percent college acceptance rate illustrates the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Brandon, Riverview & SouthShore Montessori Schools
813 655-9300; www.wearemontessori.com
The three locations boast a commitment to excellence and offer authentic Montessori education for pre-primary through elementary age students. Nationally accredited by AMS, SACS, NCPSA and Florida Gold Seal certified, the schools focus on helping children become self-confident, independent thinkers. Schools also offer VPK.
Center Academy
4 bay area locations
727-541-5716; www.centeracademy.comÂ
Founded in 1968, the school is accredited by SACS and provides a small, safe setting designed to help students to focus, organize and learn. The school works with students in grades 4-12 who are gifted, have ADHD and learning differences. The school accepts the McKay and Step Up scholarships and offers dual enrolment and summer programs.
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Club Z
In-Home Tutoring Services
813-620-3764; www.clubztutoring.com
The largest in-home tutoring company in the world, the company’s tutors work one-on-one with students to help them achieve. The advantages of learning at home versus traveling to a learning center can be dramatic when you consider the convenience, affordability and results.
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Discovery Point Child Development Centers
12 bay area locations
800-622-7599; www.discoverypoint.com
The centers offer programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including the VPK program, summer camp, before and after-school care with pick-up and drop-off services provided to numerous Tampa area schools. The centers’ philosophy of caring for children is rooted in the three As: attention, affection and approval.
The Goddard School
2 bay area locations
800-463-3273; www.goddardschool.com
The Goddard School encourages a child’s lifelong love of learning. Serving children from ages 6 weeks to 6, lesson plans are brought to life in fun and imaginative ways in learning centers that include music, dramatic play, creative art, science, computers, math and writing.
Kid’s Community College
5 Riverview locations
888-543-7221; www.kidscc.org/register
This nationally accredited institution of higher learning for early learners was established in 2003 and offers multiple intelligence inspired instruction to students in preschool through eighth grade, including an IB-modeled elementary campus. It boasts high ranking academic performance, a 98 percent parent satisfaction rating and small, focused settings in state of the art facilities.
La Petite Academy
887-861-5078;Â www.lapetite.com
At La Petite Academy®, every activity is an opportunity to learn — and to have fun. That’s why our program pulls from the best of early childhood education to engage and interest kids, so they’ll love learning.
Primrose School of South Tampa
1700 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
813-876-1000; www.primrosesouthtampa.com
With passionate staff, comprehensive curriculum, and high standards, the school partners with parents to provide the best education and care for every child it serves. The school touts its professional staff, accreditation and clean, safe environment.
