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Tampa Preparatory School
Tampa Prep Information Brochure (SQN Job No. 010744). Finished Size is 11.0 by 8.5 Inches; Prints 4/4 or 5/5, Bleeds all Four Sides: Cover 1
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Right: A sixth-grade science class performs research on the nearby Hillsborough River. Bottom: Matt Guanio pays close attention to the classroom
Welcome to Tampa Preparatory School
discussion. Opposite: The front of the campus’ main entrance during construction.
More than a springboard to university, Tampa Preparatory School equips its students to lead rich, fulfilling and generous lives. Our faculty is not only highly credentialed, but also highly compassionate. Our diverse student body Tampa Preparatory School
learns not only from the syllabus but also from
727 West Cass Street
one another. Our lessons reach beyond the
Tampa, Florida 33606 Tel 813.251.8481 Fax 813.254.2106 www.tampaprep.org
confines of campus to the surrounding community and to the wilds of North Carolina and elsewhere. Our curriculum punctuates a firm grounding in the basics with opportunities for advanced specialization, and our athletic and extra-curricular activities foster personal growth. Our legacy is manifest in our outstanding alumni, who have gone on to enrich the world in myriad ways — and who maintain a close connection to this very special place.
Tampa Prep Information Brochure (SQN Job No. 010744). Finished Size is 11.0 by 8.5 Inches; Prints 4/4 or 5/5, Bleeds all Four Sides: Cover 2 and page 1
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Tampa Preparatory School is an
Opposite: Tampa Preparatory School swimmer
independent, coeducational day school for
Jill Guidera keeps warm between events. Left:
students in grades 6 through 12.
Guest lecturers can provide a new perspective to classroom discussions.
Tampa Preparatory School was founded in 1974 by a group of citizens dedicated to The student body numbers 600 students,
the idea of an independent secondary school rigorous in its college-preparatory
180 in middle school, 420 in upper school.
curriculum but also committed to the arts and athletics. Their goal was the raising
The faculty-to-student ratio is approximately one to ten. Average class size
of centered, inquisitive and selfless adults through contact with diverse experi-
is 15 students.
ences and people.
Housed in its early years on the University of Tampa campus, the school benefited from the university library and other resources, and its proximity to downtown Tampa affords access to the city’s many cultural assets, including the Tampa Bay
To embrace a larger segment of the community, the school added seventh- and eighth-
Performing Arts Center, the Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre.
grade levels to its program in 1991, and a sixth grade in 1997.
In 2002, Tampa Preparatory School realized a lifelong dream: completion of its own, custom-designed campus across the street from its former location. Today, the 150,000A place to Think
Where a rigorous grounding in skills and knowledge is just the beginning – where teachers and students share inquiry, reflection and
square-foot school complex — including a 32,000-square-foot sports complex — affords Tampa Preparatory School students an unparalleled learning and training environment and unsurpassed amenities.
analysis on the path to personal understanding.
A place to Create
Tampa Preparatory School is governed by a diverse Board of Trustees composed of parents, Where people celebrate the imagination in geometric proofs and formal essays, on canvas, computer and stage, in poetry readings and morning assemblies.
alumni, and business and civic leaders in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Trustees are nominated by committee, elected by vote of the current board, and serve three-year terms.
A place to Be Yourself
Where people respect differences and can find their place in
Tampa Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or
a diverse community.
ethnic background or religion. The school is accredited by the Florida Council of A place to Aspire to Excellence
Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a member Where students develop winning attitudes in academics, athletics and arts.
of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Secondary School Admission Test
A place to Go Beyond
Board, the National Association of College Admission Counselors, the National Association
Where Florida Keys, North Carolina mountains, museums, concert halls and community service become classrooms that foster deeper understandings of one’s self, others and the world.
of Principals of Schools for Girls, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Southern Association of College Admission Counselors.
Tampa Prep Information Brochure (SQN Job No. 010744). Finished Size is 11.0 by 8.5 Inches; Prints 4/4 or 5/5, Bleeds all Four Sides: pages 2 and 3
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Our Philosophy Tampa Preparatory School encourages students to have their own ideas. When new students come in who are maybe a little different, or have different interests, they are not looked upon as strange — the kids embrace them. Ours is a friendly school.
A
Adolescence is a remarkably brief, intense and demanding life stage, and the way one navigates it fundamentally shapes one’s future.
We respect as
Opposite: In his roles as
our students
individuals. gordon macleod, head of school
administrator and teacher, Head of School Gordon MacLeod encourages students to participate
Tampa Preparatory School defines itself as not only an academic institution but also a beacon for youth across this critical passage. A rigorous, engaging academic program is the framework upon which our mission is built. We hold high expectations and return high rewards — not merely in test scores or on sports fields, but in character, responsibility,
fully in the life of the school. Right and far right: Students Brian Menke and Sydney Stephens share the school experience in unique ways.
Gifted teachers, creative lesson plans, rich resources and a diverse, inquisitive student body unite to forge a culture that instills broad thinking, strong values, leadership and compassion. Tampa Preparatory School succeeds as an institution not only when its students matriculate at Harvard or Princeton, but also when they emerge as creative, productive and humane adults. maturity. Our teachers stress the development of self-confidence, industriousness and discipline — at age-appropriate levels. Our students thrive in an environment of idealism, humor and warmth that is at the same time challenging and earnest. Tampa Preparatory School commits fully 10 percent of its operating budget to need-based financial aid, ensuring that eagerness and achievement determine who finds a place here — not family affluence.
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Our Graduates are Our Legacy I know most of my students are not going to become historians. I want them to be successful in whatever they pursue, and make them aware of their responsibilities to other people.
W Right: Tampa Preparatory School graduate Emily Diaz is now a student in the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Far right: One-on-one interaction is a common sight at the school. Opposite: Dean of Faculty Donald Morrison lectures to a captivated audience.
Where does the road from Tampa Preparatory School lead? Our graduates typically choose from among some of the country’s finest colleges and universities, and — as testament to the broad scope of the Tampa Preparatory School experience — they migrate to all fields of endeavor. Tampa Preparatory School graduates are Air Force pilots and playwrights, CEOs and cinematographers, Guggenheim Fellows and novelists. They are physicians and firefighters; attorneys, comedians and civil engineers. Their thirst for new challenges and new experiences takes them to all corners of the globe: Japan, Pakistan, Czech
Republic, Belize, Taiwan, Israel — and, occasionally, right back here to Tampa Preparatory School. Scores of Tampa Preparatory School graduates have maintained a close connection to the school: mentoring, offering internships and career counseling. An impressive number have returned on a permanent basis, as teachers and coaches, bringing the skills first honed here home again. The school’s prowess on the sports fields and courts has earned many students scholarships and fostered professional athletic careers. Its emphasis on a wellrounded experience manifests itself in the Renaissance nature of its alumni: an attorney turned professional triathlete, or an advertising executive who also trains service-dogs. In short, there’s no stock profile of a Tampa Preparatory School graduate. The school’s aim is to broaden minds, to encourage inquiry, to nurture strong bodies and strong character. Tampa Preparatory School’s legacy is not in pointing a
student down a particular path, but in shaping an individual who is prepared and confident to tackle obstacles and build a life rich in the elements of his or her choosing.
We talk a lot about
individualism here but we emphasize
community. donald morrison, dean of faculty
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Diversity of Student Population You are able to have different people influence you and you experience different things. Certain people are very into their work, very dedicated. You can feel devoted to your own work without feeling different.
T You learn
The school’s commitment to grants based on demonstrated financial
beside students of different
races and social classes.
need fosters a diverse student body. The diversity
There are no uniforms here, nor is there a single study method or approach to learning. Tampa Preparatory School is a mĂŠlange of voices, styles, colors and beliefs. Our mission goes beyond academic performance to enriching the whole individual, and to that end we encourage self expression. An independent school, Tampa Preparatory School welcomes students of all races, religions, and backgrounds. While it promotes no religion or culture, it recognizes the spiritual core of humankind, and urges understanding,
of the student population enhances the diversity of the curriculum and other programs.
cameron white, student, class of 2005
respect and interest in the beliefs and customs of others. Critical thinking is the root goal of all Tampa Preparatory School lessons, and noisy debate is not squelched here but encouraged. From classroom discussion to the fiery Terrapin Times student newspaper to vocal ad hoc student movements, the campus is alive with complex issues, opposing views and vigorous debate. Students learn to question themselves, to form opinions, to confidently express those opinions and to appreciate the opinions of others. They learn to judge people on the value of their ideas and not on their appearance or skin color. They learn about conflict, persuasion, resolution and accommodation.
ing a vital marketplace of ideas, Tampa Preparatory School cultivates in its students maturity, introspection, and regard for different perspectives.
The outlets for expression are many — artwork, dance, the literary magazine on one hand, and Student Council and the debate team on another. Students are empowered to seek out whatever vehicle best suits their personality to make themselves heard. By support-
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The School Community Our kids are the backbone. They are prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors. Teen Court is a huge success for Hillsborough County, and at the same time, our students gain self-esteem, public speaking experience and real legal experience.
M Student involvement in the academic and extracurricular life of the school extends beyond the walls of the school campus and outward to the Tampa Bay community.
Many of the most important lessons taught at Tampa Preparatory School don’t appear on the syllabus. That’s what sets us apart from most other schools. Intangibles, like character, honor and duty are an integral part of what Tampa Preparatory School cultivates, shaped every day by our campus environment, our collegiate atmosphere, our methods and example. Our motto, “Preparation for life with a higher purpose than self,” is infused in all we do. While it may be impossible to score definitively our success in this arena, certain patterns prevail.
This program really While Tampa Preparatory School does not believe in requiring community service, more than three-quarters of our students do volunteer work. They serve as peer counselors within the school, mentor disadvantaged children in the community, organize fund drives, food drives and parties for hospice patients and the homeless. More than 20 percent of our student body is involved with the Key Club, a service organization sponsored by the Kiwanis. Others participate in Teen Court, serving as judges and lawyers in a circuit court-system program for young, first-time offenders. Many more volunteer through their churches, synagogues or mosques.
Tampa Preparatory School students are making an impact on the community in other ways as well. Our senior internship program has shown real benefit both for students and the workplaces they join. Each year more and more businesses and professionals inquire about the three-week program.
relies on us. bob bradshaw, teen court advisor
Tampa Preparatory School rejects the idea of prep school as rarefied enclave of the elite — placing instead heavy emphasis on community immersion, good citizenship and service.
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Opportunities for Students The classroom gives you the tools for intellectual ability. Then when you go out into the forest during First Week, for example, you use those tools, and you develop intellectually and reflect on what you have learned.
Tampa Preparatory School offers its students involvement in a variety of sports including volleyball, cross-country, baseball, soccer, crew, golf,
Not only was I having a good time, I was beginning to
experience the world.
zach bercu, class of 2000
swimming, diving, tennis, basketball, wrestling, track and field, and softball.
T
Tampa Preparatory School’s rigorous academic curriculum stands on its own. Classroom work, however, is just one facet of the Tampa Preparatory School learning experience. Through extended class trips to places as far away as Maine and Seattle, students reinforce and augment textbook knowledge, make connections across multiple disciplines, learn field skills and teamwork, and forge life-long bonds.
Other activities include student council, Teen Court, the school newspaper and yearbook, Peer Counseling, chess, Key Club, Thespians, dance, bowling, French Club,
The week-long trip to North Carolina for sixth-graders is part environmental field school and part personal challenge. Students learn not only ecology and Native American culture, but also test their
S.A.D.D. and Conduct Review Board.
strength and conquer their fears, through activities such as rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Seventh graders fortify their marine science studies with a swim with manatees and a trip to the Florida Keys. Athletics, with their unsurpassed capacity to instill discipline, determination, teamwork and maturity, are an integral component of Tampa Preparatory School. Students may choose from more than a dozen different sports, from cross country to crew — and nearly seven in eight do. Multiple teams within sports assure that every student who wants to play may. Awardwinning coaches regularly shepherd Terrapin teams to
district, regional and state championships, and many students receive athletic scholarships to college. Students can explore all manner of other interests through the numerous clubs and competitions available through Tampa Preparatory School: drama, music, art and creative writing, as well as debating, chess, languages and computers, to name just a few. Nearly all students at the school are active in one or more extracurricular activities.
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Our Broad Curriculum My math teacher wrote his own textbook, and he still strays from it. Textbooks are a guideline; the teachers lecture on stuff descending from their own knowledge. They are not there for the job, they really care about what they do.
A Far right: Martha Miller’s energy in the classroom fully engages middle school art students.
A rigorous academic program is the mainstay of any preparatory school, and Tampa Preparatory School is no exception. All of our subjects are taught at the Honors, Advanced Honors or nationally recognized Advanced Placement levels. Middle School students receive intensive yet compelling instruction in foundation subjects that include poetry, computer literacy, Latin, life sciences, world geography and algebra. At the same time, teachers focus on the development of learning and study skills. Upper School students complete four years of English, three to four years of mathematics, history, science and foreign language, as
well as coursework in fine arts, physical education and computers. Within those subject areas are specialized sections — be it animal behavior or micro economics — designed to captivate and challenge students with a keen aptitude or interest in the field. But just as important as the course offerings is the depth of instruction and the richness of supporting resources. Small class sizes ensure that no student gets left behind. Teachers are encouraged to emphasize experiential as well as traditional learning — devising contests, field trips, experiments and special events to enliven their lessons. Individual counseling means that course selection is tailored to the unique abilities and interests of each student. Advisors strive for a balance of fulfillment and enterprise, urging students to make the most of their opportunities and stretch their academic boundaries.
Another as finalists, semifinalists or commended scholars through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
cool thing:
really
the teachers are
dedicated.
jonathan drucker student, class of 2004
The program hits its mark. All Tampa Preparatory School students are accepted to college; approximately 15 percent of the graduating class qualifies
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I spend
my day with geniuses.
Faculty Every day I am allowed to see the everyday transcended. A student will express an awareness, make a connection, or create an image with such wisdom and nobility that I am moved to tears.
anne giles, english teacher
T With more than fifty instructors — two-thirds of whom hold advanced degrees — the curriculum is approached in a consistently professional and engaging manner.
The finest facilities, the cutting-edge equipment — these are worthless without the infectious enthusiasm of an impassioned teacher. That is why Tampa Preparatory School places such a firm emphasis on its faculty — insisting not only on exceptional scholarship, but on creativity and a genuine student empathy. Tampa Preparatory School teachers live what they teach — breathing life into whole numbers and half-notes, genetic sequences and gerunds — fueled by their own ongoing quest for knowledge and mastery. They travel the world, often on their own time and at their own expense, to take part in a world sympo-
sium on choral music, a professional soccer clinic, an African safari — all the better to enrich their students as well as themselves. More than instructors, Tampa Preparatory School teachers are role models, coaches and confidants. The intimate environment of Tampa Preparatory School’s small classes means teachers know each student, their struggles and successes. They have the patience, the wits and the drive not only to educate, but truly engage, each and every individual. They animate their instruction with guest lecturers, fieldwork, debate. In the process, they teach not only Latin or litera-
ture, but critical thinking, collaboration, leadership. Because faculty members also act as club advisors and coaches, they embody a core Tampa Preparatory School principle: that scholarship is but one facet of a rewarding life — that the arts, exercise, and public service all must be present to complete the picture.
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School Facilities: Tools for All The land use of our new campus is extremely economical-including green spaces rolling to the river. Inside, we have whole-class computer tasking for the Middle School, and wireless networking capabilities in all classrooms and common spaces.
C Far right: The blackbox theater offers the opportunity for middle and upper school students to participate in dramatic and musical performances throughout the year.
Completed in Spring 2002, Tampa Preparatory School’s new $22 million campus fulfills a wish list almost 30 years in the making. With substantial input from school officials, teachers, coaches, alumni and students, the architects designed a facility uniquely suited to the needs and culture of Tampa Preparatory School. A dramatic, domed resource center is the focal point of the 150,000-squarefoot complex. The Middle School now boasts an entire wing of its own. The 36 classrooms, six science laboratories, four computer laboratories and two lecture halls are outfitted for the latest and emerging technologies.
The school was
committed to Tampa Preparatory School’s traditional emphasis on the fine arts is supported by visual arts studios, darkrooms, exhibit areas and a state-of-the-art black-box theatre with a scene shop and cast room. Its powerful athletic teams now condition, train and compete in a separate, 32,000-square-foot state-of-the-art sports center, including a 15,000-square-foot gymnasium and wrestling, weight and fitness/training rooms. A competition-sized swimming pool and diving well and lighted soccer and baseball fields complete the eleven-acre campus.
Just across Cass Street from its former home on the University of Tampa grounds, the school still enjoys a close relationship with the university. Downtown Tampa, with its public library and renowned performing arts center is right across the Hillsborough River.
remaining a downtown
institution. stephen garrett, business manager
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Visit Tampa Preparatory School Like every good school, Tampa Preparatory has a unique personality that goes far beyond the ability of any publication to capture. A visit to the school and a meeting with a memeber of the admissions staff is a wonderful way to build upon what you already know about the school and further explore the opportunities we are able to offer our students. A day of classes can offer insights into our teachers’ skills that simply cannot be obtained in any other manner. While the admissions process requires a formal application with supporting materials and testing as well as an on-campus interview, it is not intended to confuse or intimidate. Please call us at 813.251.8481 with your questions, to request additional information or to schedule a visit.
COLOPHON: Design, production and print management by SQN Communications Design, Inc. All photography by Gabriel Amadeus Cooney. Writing by SpotOn Communications.
Copyright 2002 by Tampa Preparatory School.
Tampa Preparatory School’s twelve-acre campus is situated on the bank of the Hillsborough River, directly across from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and immediately to the north of the University of Tampa. The main academic structure, located in the northwest corner of the property, boasts both a middle school wing and an upper school wing. The Smith Blackbox Theater and the Walter Athletic Complex, both located directly south of the upper school wing, complete the facility. Sports fields for soccer and baseball are located on the eastern end of the property.
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Tampa Preparatory School 727 West Cass Street Tampa, Florida 33606 Tel 813.251.8481 Fax 813.254.2106 www.tampaprep.org
Tampa Prep Information Brochure (SQN Job No. 010744). Finished Size is 11.0 by 8.5 Inches; Prints 4/4 or 5/5, Bleeds all Four Sides: cover 4