PASCO | PINELLAS | HILLSBOROUGH
2012
SCHOOL GUIDES
The Info You Need to Know
Generations of Education
Families of the Genesis School FOCUS ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough Counties
IQ Exposed
What Does IQ Measure
Educational Guide 2012 | www.ParentGuide.com
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editor’s NOTE
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
M
y eldest son entered middle school this fall. It was a rite of passage filled with adjustments, and one that I am very proud of the transition he has made. As a parent, I believed that it was my role to make this transition as smooth as possible especially since this change occurred during a time when he was experiencing lots of other personal changes both physically and emotionally (I call it mutating, but, I digress).
The boys' experience at Plato Academy has been excellent. This is the Largo campus's first year admitting fifth and sixth graders, and there are some growing pains such as issues with funding and a few bumps in the road as the school figures out how things will best work. But overall, I've seen tremendous growth in both boys and the devotion of a handful of teachers that wear so many hats it's hard to imagine how they have any time for themselves.
However, the process of getting him into middle school was very stressful for me and for my husband. Why? Because we wanted our son to be in a school where we know he’d flourish, where there were opportunities to really play to his strengths. Elementary school had been a good experience, but our son had dealt with a fair amount of social issues and some bullying, and his self-confidence was not quite as strong as I wanted for him. So, finding the “right fit” was extremely important.
The school is academically rigorous, but I'm pleased with the challenges my boys are embracing. The fifth and sixth grade classrooms have 21 to 22 students, and the entire sixth grade is just 44 students, which I believe has been wonderful for my middle schooler. I have watched him go from a kid who dealt with a lot of social issues to an adolescent who is thriving socially as well as academically. I believe that is because of the small classes and the tight personal relationship between the family and the teachers.
After reviewing schools, talking with parents during the choice period in Pinellas County and having our son shadow a student at one school, we decided there were a couple of middle schools we were interested in him attending. Unfortunately, his name wasn’t drawn for those schools, leaving us concerned and planning for other options.
Yet, despite the positives of our charter school experience and my full support of the concept of the charter school, I still also advocate for public education. And I hope in years to come, we'll have more schools that parents clamor for their children to attend because they know their child will receive a good education. In the meantime, I am grateful for the options available!
Fearing that this situation might happen, I had stayed up late one night and completed applications for my eldest son and his brother to attend a pair of charter schools located in Largo. My youngest got into one school, but his brother did not, which again left my husband and me sweating out our options. But then, by a stroke of luck I could only equate to winning the lottery, they were both accepted to the other school, Plato Academy.
GeodieBaxterPadgett Executive Editor Geodie@parentguide.com
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Growing Chlde Open House Dates Skycrest Christian Preschool was created to serve children and their families in January 19 Christian early education programs by February 16 providing age-appropriate opportunities so that young children will learn to love God and love learning. We want children to approach education with a joyous attitude and truly believe that by first establishing a love for Christ in their lives that the desire to flourish and grow in Him will lead to a life-long love for learning and Christian growth. 129 N. Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-797-1186 tel 727-797-8516 fax
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EDUCATIONAL GUIDE
DEPARTMENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
Finding the Right Fit The importance of finding a school that really works for your child.
3
GENESIS GENERATIONS
12
SCHOOL GUIDE
20
WHAT’S UP IN YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT
28
SMART PARENTS QUESTION IQ TESTING
32
Shannon Kelley Pattee follows three families whose generations have attended the Genesis School.
All the info you need on Tampa Bay schools.
Miranda Jenson takes a look at some of the key info and news from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties.
Kurt Goerke explores the ins an outs of IQ testing.
WHY WALDORF WORKS
Hands-On Education Barbara Bedingfield explains why so many Silicon Valley CEO’s opt for Waldorf’s low-tech education.
2012
contents SCHOOL GUIDES
PAGES 20-27
46
Parent Guide®
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2012 School Guide
Getting off to a great start in school is always a parent's first concern once the school year begins. But sometimes, things don't work out quite as planned, and parents may decide that they need another option for their child's education.
That's why ParentGuide has put together a complete school guide featuring pertinent information about some of Tampa Bay's finest schools. Keep the listing handy in case you need to refer to it. It may provide with some educational options this year or in future years.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Name
Address
City
Phone
Grades
Enrollment
Academy of the Holy Names
3319 Bayshore Blvd.
Tampa
813-839-5371
PreK-12
850
Academy Prep Center for Education
1407 E Columbus Dr.
Tampa
813-248-5600
5th-8th
112
Bayshore Christian School
3909 S. MacDill Avenue
Tampa
813-839-4297
K2-12th
235
Bell Shoals Baptist Academy
2102 Bell Shoals Rd.
Tampa
813-689-9183
PreS-8th
526
Berean Academy
10948 Central Avenue
Tampa
813-221-1711
K-12
155
Berkeley Preparatory
4811 Kelly Rd.
Tampa
813-885-1673
PreK-12
1200
Bowman Academy
3407 Latania Dr.
Tampa
813-961-1822
PreK2-5yo
94
Brookwood Academy
3820 Coconut Palm Dr.
Tampa
813-628-4114
6wks-VPK
100
Cambridge Christian School
6101 N. Habana Ave.
Tampa
813-872-6744 x271
Preschool - 12th
520
Carrollwood Day School
2606 Casey Rd.
Tampa
813-963-2388
PreK2-K
146
Carrollwood Day School
1515 Bearss Avenue
Tampa
813-920-2288
1st-12th
600
Center Academy
11520 Land O'Lakes Blvd.
Lutz
813-931-1012
4th-12th
75
Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School
304 Druid Hills Rd.
Temple Terrace
813-985-7145
PreK3-8th
131
Christ the King Catholic School
3809 Morrison Avenue
Tampa
813-876-8770
PreK4-8th
480
Citrus Park Christian School
7705 Gunn Hwy.
Tampa
813-920-3960
K3-12th
360
Corpus Christi Catholic School
9715 56th St. N.
Temple Terrace
813-988-1722
PreK-8th
227
Faith Outreach Academy
7607 Sheldon Rd.
Tampa
813-887-5546
K3-12th
145
Family of Christ Christian School
16190 Bruce B.Downs Blvd.
Tampa
813-558-9343
PreK-8th
250
Florida College Academy
7032 Temple Terrace Hwy.
Tampa
813-899-6800
PreK-9th
150
Grace Christian School
1425 N. Valrico Rd.
Valrico
813-689-8815
K4-8th
0
Hebrew Academy of Tampa Bay
14908 Pennington Rd.
Tampa
813-963-0706
PreK-8th
1:06
Hillel School of Tampa
2020 Fletcher Avenue W
Tampa
813-963-2242
K-8th
176
Hillsborough County Magnet Schools
Various locations
Tampa
813-272-4692
K-12th
varies per school
Tampa
813-839-0665
PreK3 - 5th
80
3712 El Prado Blvd. parentguide.com
Holy Trinity Lutheran School
16
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
“Education is not received. It is achieved.” anonymous
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Class Size
Year Established
Affiliation
Web Address
Tuition
18
1881
Catholic
www.holynamestba.org
varies
17
1998
non-denominational
www.academyprep.org
varies
7 - 20
1971
non-denominational
www.bayshorechristianschool.org
6780-8085
varies
1965
Baptist
www.bsbacademy.com
varies
13-18
1995
non-denominational
www.bereanacademy.com
7200-9400
16-20
1960
Episcopal
www.berkeleyprep.org
15260-18360
1:16
early 1960's
none
www.thebowmanacademy.com
varies
varies
1987
none
n/a
varies
15
1964
non denom Christian
www.cambridge-christian.com
5171 - 11300
1:16
1984
non-denominational
www.carrollwooddayschool.org
varies
1:10
1981
non-denominational
www.carrolwooddayschool.org
varies
1:10
1968
none
www.centeracademy.com
varies
7 - 17
1970
Lutheran
www.corlutheran.org
2956-5099
22-25
1949
Catholic
www.cks-school.org
varies
18
1983
non-denominational
www.citruspark.org
3600-6000
25-30
1964
Catholic
www.corpuschristicatholicschool.org
5107
varies
1984
non-denominational
www.faithoutreachacademy.org
varies
1:20
1999
Lutheran
www.foc-knights.com
5360
1:13
1958
non-denominational
www.floridacollegeacademy.net
varies
varies
1975
non-denominational
www.gracechristiansschool.com
varies
varies
1986
Jewish
www.hebrewacademyoftampa.com
5900-6800
10 - 12
1971
Jewish
www.hillelschool.com
5000-11007
varies per school
varies per school
none
www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet
n/a
varies
1958
Lutheran
www.htls.org
varies
Parent Guide®
17
2012 School Guide
HILLSBOROUGH
Name
Address
City
Phone
Grades
Enrollment
Immanuel Lutheran School
2913 S John Moore Rd
Brandon
813-685-1978
PreK4-8th
160
Incarnation Catholic Church and School
511 Webb Rd.
Tampa
813-884-4502
PreK-8th
400
Independent Day School
12015 Orange Grove Dr.
Tampa
813-961-3087
PreK3-8th
500
Jesuit High School
4701 N Himes Avenue
Tampa
813-877-5344
9th-12th
680
Kings Avenue Baptist Church
2602 S Kings Avenue
Brandon
813-685-3095
PreK3-5th
70
Land O' Lakes Christian School
5105 School Road
Land O'Lakes
813-995-9040
K4-12th
200
Lee Academy for Gifted Education
8613 Twin Lakes Blvd.
Tampa
813-931-3316
PreK-12
82
Lowry Park Zoo
1101 W Sligh Avenue
Tampa
813-935-8552
PreS-PreK
88
Northdale Lutheran School
15709 Mapledale Blvd.
Tampa
813-961-9195
K-12th
30
Oak Grove United Methodist School
2707 Waters Avenue W
Tampa
813-935-4956
PreK-5th
80
Odessa Christian School
19521 Michigan Ave.
Odessa
813-792-1825
Kindergarten - 10th
85
Philip Shore Elementary School of the Arts
1908 2nd Avenue
Tampa
813-276-5712
K-5
350
Providence Christian School
5416 Providence Rd.
Riverview
813-689-7127
K3-12
180
R' Club Early Learning Academy
12420 Telcom Dr.
Temple Terrace
813-979-0002
PreK-5th
51
Seffner Christian Academy
11605 US Hwy 92E
Tampa
813-626-0001
K2-12th
610
St. Lawrence Catholic School
5223 N. Himes Ave.
Tampa
813-879-5090
PreK - 8th
560
St. Mary's Episcopal Day School
2101 S.Hubert Avenue
Tampa
813-258-5508
PreK4-8th
425
St. Peter Clavers School
1401 N Governor
Tampa
813-224-0865
PreK3-8th
85
Tampa Adventist Academy
3205 N. Blvd.
Tampa
813-228-7950
PreK-10th
108
Tampa Catholic High School
4630 N Rome Avenue
Tampa
813-870-0860
9th-12th
735
Tampa Preparatory School
727 W Cass St.
Tampa
813-251-8481
6th-12th
580
The Goddard School
13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd.
Tampa
813-978-8100
Infant - PK
132
Tropical Acres Christian Academy
12107 Rhodine Road
Riverview
813-677-8036
6 wks-12th
35
United Methodist Church-Early Childhood Center
2902 Fletcher Avenue W
Tampa
813-963-0356
1yo-K
180
West Gate Christian Preparatory School
5121 Kelly Road
Tampa
813-884-5147
K3-12th
195
PASCO COUNTY Name
Address
City
Phone
Grades
Enrollment
Faith Christian Academy
175 Springtime St.
Spring Hill
352-686-9350
prek, k-5
48
Genesis Preparatory School
7710 Osteen Rd.
New Port Richey
727-846-8407
6th-12th
110
Longleaf Learning Center
3035 Alachua Place
New Port Richey
727-375-2664
2yo-5th
180
Notre Dame Interparochial School
1117 Suzanne Dr.
Spring Hill
352-683-0755
prek-8th
varies
Pasco County School System
7227 Land O'Lakes Blvd.
Land O'Lakes Lakes
813-794-2000
K-12
62,530
Spring Hill Christian Academy
3140 Mariner Blvd.
Spring Hill
352-683-8485
prek3-12
241
The Genesis School-East Campus
8100 Mitchell Ranch Rd.
New Port Richey
727-372-9333
2yo-5th
150
The Genesis School-West Campus
6609 River Rd.
New Port Richey
727-845-1111
2yo-5th
100
West Hernando Christian School
2250 Isiwaw Blvd.
Spring Hill
352-688-9918
k3-12
241
Wider Horizons School
4060 Castle Ave.
Spring Hill
352-686-1934
prek-12
160
World of Knowledge Montessori School
1935 Abacus Rd.
Holiday
727-934-3028
18m - 8th
95
2012 School Guide
HILLSBOROUGH Class Size
Year Established
Affiliation
Web Address
Tuition
20
1980
Lutheran
www.ilsbrandon.com
varies
20-25
early 1960's
Catholic
www.icstampa.org
varies
varies
1968
non-denominational
www.idsyes.com
varies
1:12
1899
Catholic
www.jesuittampa.org
varies
15
1985
Baptist
www.kacs.us
2300-3900
15
1978
Baptist
www.fbclol.org
varies
1:10
1983
none
www.leegiftedacademy.com
8700-9500
11
2000
none
www.lowryparkzoo.com
varies
1:10
2000
WELS Lutheran
www.northdalelutheran.org
varies
15
early 1960's
Methodist
www.ogumsschools.officelive.com
3420-4320
16 - 20
2006
Independent Interdenominational Christian
www.odessachristinaschool.org
5850 - 6500
18
1922
public
http://shore.mysdhc.org
n/a
25
1965
Baptist
www.providencechristianschool.net
varies
10 - 15
2005
non-denominational
www.rclub.net
varies
varies
1983
non-denominational
www.seacrusaders.com
varies
varies
1959
Catholic
www.stlawrencecatholicschool.org
varies
varies
1953
Episcopal
www.smeds.org
107000
varies
1894
Catholic
n/a
scholarships
varies
1919
Seventh Day Adventist
www.taacademy.com
varies
varies
1962
Catholic
www.tampacatholic.org
varies
16
1974
non-denominational
www.tampaprep.org
varies
varies
2008
none
www.goddardschool.com
varies
varies
1986
Baptist
n/a
varies
12 - 18
1970
Methodist
www.lmumc.org
varies
15
1972
Baptist
www.westgate.org
varies
PASCO COUNTY Class Size
Year Established Affiliation
Web Address
Tuition
varies
1990
non denominational Christian
n/a
varies
15
1993
non denominational
www.genesisprep.com
12000
varies
2002
none
www.longleaflearningcenter.com
varies
18
1985
Catholic
www.ndischool.com
varies
varies
early 1900's
public
www.pasco.k12.fl.us
n/a
15
1994
non denominational/Christian
www.springhillchristianacademy.com
varies
varies
1977
none
www.genesiselementary.com
varies
varies
1977
none
www.genesiselementary.com
varies
varies
1996
non denominational Christian
www.whcs.net
varies
20-25
1981
none
www.widehorizonsschool.com
varies
varies
1981
none
www.flwokmontessori.com Parent Guide速
varies
19
2012 School Guide
THROUGHOUT TAMPA BAY Name
Address
Creative World
City
Phone
Grades
Various locations
1-800-362-5940
Infants-PreK
Discovery Point
Various locations
770-622-2112
Infants - Toddlers
Kindercare
Various locations
1-800-kindercare
6 weeks to 12 years of age
LaPetite Academy
Various locations
877-861-5078
Infants-K
Primrose Schools
Various locations
770-529-4100
Infants-PreK
TUTORING Name
Address
Huntington Learning Center
City
Phone
Grades
Various locations
800-Can Learn
K-12 Tutoring
Sylvan Learning
Various locations
888-Educate
PreK-College Prep Tutoring
The Tutors
30750 US Hwy 19 N.
727-786-8887
PreK-12 Tutoring
Palm Harbor
PINELLAS COUNTY Name
Address
City
Phone
Grades
Academy Prep Center for Education
2301 22nd Avenue S.
St. Petersburg
727-322-0800
5h-8th
Admiral Farrigut Academy
501 Park St. N.
St. Petersburg
727-384-5505
PreK-12th
Bay Pines Lutheran School
7589 113th Lane N.
Seminole
727-397-3204
K-8th
Bellair Montessori Academy
905 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Clearwater
727-584-2867
2yo-12yo
Blossom Montessori Schl for the Deaf
5990 142nd Avenue N
Clearwater
727-539-7627
2.5yo-15yo
Broach School
4500 43rd Street N.
Clearwater
727-526-5700
1st-12th
Calvary Christian High School
110 A. N. McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater
727-449-2247
9th - 12th
Camelot School
6751 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo
727-536-9911
2nd-5th
Canterbury School of Florida
1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE
St. Petersburg
727-525-1419
PreK - 4th
Canterbury School of Florida
990 62nd Avenue NE
St. Petersburg
727-525-1419
5th - 12th
Center Academy
2104 Palm Harbor Blvd.
Palm Harbor
727-781-2986
4th-12th
20
parentguide.com
2012 School Guide
Class Size
Year Established
Affiliation
Web Address
Tuition
varies per center
varies per center
none
www.creativeworldschools.com
varies per center
varies per center
20 years in business
none
www.discoverypoint.com
varies per center
varies per center
varies per center
none
www.kindercare.com
varies per center
varies per center
varies per center
none
www.lapetite.com
varies per center
varies per center
varies per center
none
www.primroseschools.com
varies per center
Class Size
Year Established
Affiliation
Web Address
Tuition
varies
none
www.huntingtonlearning.com
varies
varies
none
www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com
varies
varies
none
www.thetutors.net
varies
Enrollment
Class Size
Year Established
Affiliation
Web Address
Tuition
126
15
1997
none
www.academyprep.org
varies
400
varies
1933
none
www.farrigut.org
varies
115
varies
1973
WELS Lutheran
www.bpwels.com
3456
68
18-20
1944
none
www.bmakids.com
varies
varies
10
2003
none
www.blossomschool.org
varies
70
10
late 1980's
none
www.broachschool.com
varies
220
varies
2000
Christian
www.cchs.us
8850
120
varies
1982
none
www.mycamelotschool.com
varies
430
18
1968
Episcopal
www.canterbury-fl.org
10130 -15020
430
18
1968
Episcopal
www.canterbury-fl.org
10130 -15020
75
1:10 ratio
1968
none
www.centeracademy.com
varies
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings andGuide速 updates! Parent
21
2012 School Guide
PINELLAS COUNTY (Cont’d)
Name
Address
City
Phone
Grades
Center Academy
6710 86th Avenue N
Pinellas Park
727-541-5716
4th-12th
Christ the Lord Christian School
2045 N. Hercules Avenue Clearwater
727-441-8239
k-k - 8th
Clearwater Academy
801 Drew St.
Clearwater
727-446-1722
PreK-12th
Clearwater Central Catholic High School
2750 Haines Bayshore Rd.
Clearwater
727-531-1449
9th-12th
Coti Community Christian School
206 23rd Ave.
Indian Rocks Beach
727-517-0775
age 2 - K
Countryside Christian Academy
1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd.
Clearwater
727-799-1618
PreK2-8th
Delphi Academy of Florida
1831 Drew St.
Clearwater
727-447-6385
Preschool - 8th
Dunedin Academy
1408 County Road 1
Dunedin
727-580-2042
Preschool - 12th
First Evangelical Lutheran School
1644 Nursery Rd.
Clearwater
727-461-34444 PK3-8th
Great Explorations
1925 Fourth St. N
St. Petersburg
727-821-8992
2yo-VPK
Gulf Coast Seventh Day Adventist School 6001 7th Avenue S.
St. Petersburg
727-345-2141
K-8th
Holy Family Catholic Church School
250 78th Avenue NE
St. Petersburg
727-526-8194
PreK2-8th
Indian Rocks Christian Schools
12685 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo
727-596-7192
PreK2-12th
Keswick Christian School
10101 54th Avenue N.
St. Petersburg
727-393-9100
PK2-12
Lakeside Christian School
1897 Sunset Pt. Rd.
Clearwater
727-461-3311
K5-12th
New Horizons Country Day School
2060 Nebraska Ave.
Palm Harbor
727-786-1854
12m-5th
Northbay Christian
1625 Union St.
Clearwater
727-462-0134
PreK-8th
Northside Christian School
7777 62nd Avenue N.
St. Petersburg
727-541-7593
PK-12
Oldsmar Christian School
650 Burbank Road
Oldsmar
813-855-5746
K4-12
Our Lady of Lourdes School
730 San Salvador Dr.
Dunedin
727-733-3776
VPK-8th
Our Savior Lutheran School
5843 Fourth Avenue S.
St. Petersburg
727-344-1026
PK3-8th
Palm Harbor Montessori-East Lake
1961 East Lake Rd.
Palm Harbor
727-781-8980
Primary 2-5
Palm Harbor Montessori
2355 Nebraska Avenue
Palm Harbor
727-786-1854
12m-8th
Pinellas County School System
301 Fourth St. SW
Largo
727-588-6000
k-12
Safety Harbor Montessori Academy
2669 McMullen Booth Rd.
Clearwater
727-724-1767
PreK-8th
Santina Bay Academy
32820 US Hwy 19 North
Palm Harbor
727-216-9738
6th - 12th
Shady Creek Montessori
2095 Bellair Rd.
Clearwater
727-535-8512
Preschool-2-4yo
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 1st Street NE
St. Petersburg
727-522-2111
K-12
Skycrest Christian School
129 Belcher Rd.N.
Clearwater
727-797-1186
k-8
Spring Valley School
2109 Nebraska Ave.
Palm Harbor
727-781-1234
4-19yo
St. Patricks Catholic Church
1507 Trotter Rd.
Clearwater
727-581-4865
PreK-8th
St. Paul's School
1600 St. Paul's Drive
Clearwater
727-536-2756
PreK3-8th
St. Pete Christian School
2021 62nd Ave. N.
St. Petersburg
727-522-3000
PreK - 4th
St. Pete Prep Learning Center
6030 1st Street N.
St. Petersburg
727-522-7879
1-4yo
St. Raphael Church School
1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE
St. Petersburg
727-736-5082
k-8th
St. Jude Cathedral School
600 58th St. N.
St. Petersburg
727-347-8622
ec3-8th
Suncoast Waldorf School
1857 Curlew Rd.
Palm Harbor
727-786-8311
Preschool - 8th
Transfiguration Parish School
4000 43rd St. N.
St. Petersburg
727-527-2880
2yo-5yo
Walden A Private Middle School
2728 53rd Street S.
St. Petersburg
727-321-7441
6th-8th
Log on to parentguide.com more school listings 727-781-3808 and updates!k-8 Westlake Christian School 1551 Belcherfor Road Palm Harbor parentguide.com
22
2012 School Guide Enrollment
Class Size
Year Affiliation Established
Web Address
Tuition
75
1:10 ratio
1969
none
www.centeracademy.com
varies
26
varies
1984
Wells Lutheran
www.christthelordlutheranchurch.org
varies
260
varies
1984
none
www.clearwateracademy.org
9996
700
varies
1962
Catholic
www.ccchs.com
varies
54
varies
2004
Christian
www.cotischool.org
varies
197
8-15
2000
non-denominational
www.myccacademy.org
varies
130
varies
1983
none
www.delphi.org
6480-9610
250
1:18
1964
non denom
www.dunedinacademy.com
varies
250
22
1975
Lutheran
www.flccclearwater.org
varies
52
1:7
2007
none
www.greatexplorations.org
varies
15
varies
early 1950's Seventh Day Adventist
n/a
varies
270
varies
1956
Catholic
www.holyfamily-school.com
4466
862
varies
1984
Baptist
www.ircs.org
varies
540
15
1953
non denominational
www.keswickchristian.org
2580-8632
266
varies
1975
non-denominational
www.lakesidechristianschool.org
6400-7900
180
varies
1983
none
www.newhorizonsprivateschool.com
varies
69
16
1999
non-denominational
www.northbaychristian.com
varies
700
16
1971
Baptist
www.nck12.com
7500-10000
205
varies
1981
Baptist
www.oldsmarchristianschool.net
varies
288
18-30
1962
Catholic
www.myoll.com
4900
155
8 - 20
1982
Lutheran
www.osls.net
varies
52
varies
1999
none
www.floridamontessori.com
varies
200
varies
1983
none
www.floridamontessori.com
varies
105,000
varies
early 1900's none
www.pinellas.k12.fl.us
n/a
210
1:6-1:12 ratio
1995
none
www.shma.us
starts 6450
15
10
2008
non denominational
www.santinabayacedemy.com
varies
40
varies
1982
none
www.shadycreekpreschool.com
varies
950
varies
1923
non-denominational
www.shorecrest.org
7500-18830
380
19
1971
non denominational Christian www.skycrestchristianschool.org
5895-6005
20
open
1997
none
www.springvalleyschool.com
varies
254
varies
1959
Catholic
www.stpatrick-lago.org
varies
478
15-18
1968
Episcopal
www.st.pauls.edu
varies
430
varies
1971
Interdenominational
www.stpetechristian.org
5895 - 6895
104
varies
1989
none
www.stpeteprep.com
varies
264
20
1969
Catholic
www.st_raphaels.com
varies
varies
varies
1954
Catholic
www.cathedralofstjude.org
varies
80
15 - 20
1998
none
www.suncoastwaldorf.org
2850 - 9750
69
varies
2006
Catholic
www.transfigparish.org
varies
11
combined
1997
none
www.waldenmiddleschool.org
5000
310
20
1996
non denominational Christian www.westlakechristianschool.org
Parent Guide速
varies
23
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Parent Guide速
27
WHAT’S UP IN YOUR SCHOOL DISTRIC T? by Miranda Jenson
Keeping up with what’s going on in the school districts is more than challenging. That’s why Parent Guide has taken the time to check out the latest news or to add important info bytes about Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco County school districts. Take a minute and see what you can learn!
Pasco County School Facts
IMPORTANT NEWS
Budget: $475M approximately
Recently, the school district reported on survey
Serves 67,000 students
Per student expenditure: $8403
SCHOOL NUMBERS & BREAKDOWNS 84 schools 46 elementary schools 15 middle schools 13 high schools 5 charter schools K-8 4 education centers 1 virtual school
Pasco County is exploring a 4-day school week. results performed by Hanover Research. The findings suggest parents were evenly split about modifying the school week with these concerns: • One half agreed it might save jobs and eliminate the need for more cuts • Concern about supervision and pressure on parents to find care for children on that day • Many agreed that a 4-day school week would negatively impact the quality of academic experiences
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Pasco County Schools offers a Parent Involvement Library online at www.parent-institute.com/ep/PX02615347
OVERALL
# of Teachers
Percentage of Teachers
Ineffective
13
1.8
473
65.9
232
32.3
ELEMENTARY
# of Teachers
Percentage of Teachers
Ineffective
1
.5
17 High schools
Effective
120
58.2
5 Exceptional education schools
Highly Effective
85
41.3
MIDDLE
#of Teachers
Percentage of Teachers
Ineffective
3
1.6
Effective
115
60.1
Highly Effective
75
38.3
HIGH SCHOOL
# of Teachers
Percentage of Teachers
This report from the district’s Research
Ineffective
9
2.8
& Accountability division measured
Effective
238
74.6
teacher effectiveness based on four
Highly Effective
72
22.6
PinellasCounty Schools Facts 7th largest school district in FL Serves 102,000 students Budget: $837M approximately
(less than 40 points on final score) Effective (40-74 points) Highly Effective
SCHOOL NUMBERS & BREAKDOWNS
(75+ points)
142 schools 74 K-5 Elementary schools 21 Middle schools
17 Charter schools 1 Virtual 8 Other
ADDITIONAL INFO The Teacher Appraisal Research (piloted on 15 schools during the 2010-2011 school year)
criteria: Professional Expectations, Student Performance, Peer Review and Professional Development.
To learn more about the study, visit, www.pcsb.org, click on About Us, then Research and Accountability.
Parent Guide®
31
WHAT’S UP IN YOUR SCHOOL DISTRIC T? Hillsborough County School Facts 8th largest school district in United States 260 schools K-12 Budget $1.685B Per student expenditure: $6300
SCHOOL NUMBERS & BREAKDOWNS 260 K-12 schools 144 elementary schools 44 middle schools 27 high schools 2 charter K-8 82 adult programs 4 career centers 5 HiTEC 36 charter schools
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In 2009, the Hillsborough County School district was awarded $100M from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant, known as Empowering Effective Teachers (EET) is being used to improve teacher effectiveness over a seven-year period. Funds will be used to create a new-teacher induction program including mentoring relationships. The district will also be using the grant to improve teacher and principal evaluation systems and to enhance the professional development system. Additionally, monies will be used to provide effective incentives to teachers who work with high-needs student and to improve the compensation plan.
DID YOU KNOW? A 2008 study from the University of New Hampshire assessed the value of parental involvement in education at $1000 per child. Given that school districts in the Tampa Bay area are spending roughly between $6000$8500 per student, that $1000 is significant.
32
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By Geodie Baxter Padgett
2012 COVER SEARCH
Capture that Special Moment ...
Submit your photo for a chance to be chosen for the Cover of Parent Guide速 or Tampa Bay Baby 速 or maybe used in our editorial pages throughout 2012!
WIN Great Prizes for your family and Give Back to your favorite non profit! For details log on parentguide.com
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Helping YOU Find JOY!
We: are community We: do life together Real Life. Real People LIVE ONLINE
thejoyfm.com
MONTESSORI ACADEMIES We provide an environment that encourages active learning through methods that stimulate the child.
Toddlers thru 6th Grade Early Reading Program Hands-on Math Activities Fun Science Spanish Language / Cultural Immersion Drama Cooking Chinese Arts & Crafts Music & Movement
Serving the Tampa Bay area since 1970! Convenient Hours 7:00am – 6:00pm
Affordable Tuition Temple Terrace 899-2345, 985-7829
New Tampa 979-4926
Tampa 933-4782
school STORY
By Shannon Kelley Pattee
GENESIS GENERATIONS “A quality education is the best gift you can give your child,” states Ruth Urbanski, the former President of the Genesis School Parent Group. Her family has been part of the Genesis School since 1987, when her oldest daughter, Lynn (Gill), began preschool. Lynn attended Genesis for nine years and was in the first class to graduate from the elementary school. “We wanted the best for our children, and Genesis is the best!” Ruth continued. So, in 1984, her daughter, Sarah (Deperto), joined the Genesis student body and was in attendance for a total of 15 years. Sarah was with the first class to go from preschool through twelfth grade, where she graduated from Genesis Preparatory school in 1999. The Urbanski family has many fond memories of the schools including the first Fall Festival, the annual Holiday Store that Sarah’s class began, the annual Thanksgiving play which Lynn’s class wrote, and the many community outreach programs in which they participated. According to Ruth, “Dr. Missy Nurrenbrock has led the school with dynamic guidance and a vision that has stood all of the Genesis family extremely well.”
The Girardi family has been a Genesis Generations family since 1978, when Jaime entered preschool. His daughter, Gabriella, currently attends, and the newest member of their family, Ashlynne Elizabeth (born 12/5/11), will be a future Genesis attendee. “We know firsthand the type of attention that was given to the children and the types of activities that even the preschool kids are introduced to at the school,” says Jaime.
Genesiselementary.com
Genesis School- NPR Campus 6609 River Road, New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-845-1111
Genesis School- Trinity Campus 8100 Mitchell Ranch Rd. New Port Richey, Fl 34655 727-372-9333
Longleaf Learning Center 3035 Alachua Pl., New Port Richey, FL 34655 727-375-2664
For additional information, please contact one of the following Genesis School locations.
36
The Hudson family is another member of the Genesis School Generations. Leila Hudson, mother and grandmother of past and present students, was on the Board of Trustees for six years while children Johnny, Joe, Kimberley and Krissy all attended Genesis between the years of 1983-2005. The youngest family members, Reese and Leila, are currently enrolled and are following in the footsteps of the others. Joseph Hudson, father of Reese and Leila, explains that they decided to send their children to Genesis because of the education he received in the elementary school. “My skills and knowledge were superior to the average sixth grade student,” he says. He also fondly recalls getting to go to “Camp Keystone” during the last week of school, where they had a talent show and a watermelon-seed-spitting contest. That was a lot of fun!
parentguide.com
Genesis Preparatory School 7710 Osteen Rd., New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-846-8407
BLUEBERRY FRECKLES PHOTOGRAPHY
Melissa Nurrenbrock Founder of The Genesis School
Jennifer Girardi Makinson attended Genesis from 19851986, and now has a son, Austin Jason Makinson, who is a current Genesis student. Jennifer and her Husband decided to send Austin to Genesis due to the class size as well as the education standards. “A t Genesis, the memories you make last a lifetime,” she says. “The staff at Genesis goes above and beyond to make sure that the children get a great education and are also very involved in the community.” Even Abby Misemer, the sister of school leader Dr. Melissa Nurrenbrock, has had thirty-two years of involvement with the Genesis Schools. Both of her sons attended the schools, and today, her two grandchildren are students as well. In Abby’s words, “The same culture of excellence continues!” These are just a few of the amazing Genesis families who have had the fortunate opportunity to watch generations thrive. The excellent education, lasting friendships and positive memories seem to be the common denominators among former students who pass on the same wonderful Genesis opportunities to future generations.
Urbanski family
For More information please go to: www.genesiselementary.com.
Parent Guide®
37
PP aar reenntts s Que i on Qu ess tt i o n Much like snowflakes, the wonder and beauty of any given person is that no two
are alike, and there is no test that can quantify that uniqueness. nor is there one that gives points for someone discovering and developing that which is solely theirs. Thus, by its very nature, standardized intelligence testing of any sort can be detrimental to the search for individualism, and if not used with great caution, it can damage someone’s self esteem and also miss the mark in determining academic or real world success. so the question becomes, “what is a standardized intelligence test’s real value?” an iQ test, or intelligence quotient test, is a standardized test that attempts to measure a person’s intelligence. There are many variations on the original iQ test developed in 1905 by french psychologist alfred Binet. he created the test as a means of identifying children who needed special help with their education. The test was later refined in 1916 by lewis M. Terman of stanford university. his version, known as the stanford-Binet intelligence scale, is the basis for one of the tests still used today. however, it wasn’t until 1939 that David wechsler developed the first intelligence test designed to test adults. The wechsler adult intelligence scale or wais was later joined by the wechsler intelligence scale of children, or wisc. Today, they are the most widely used intelligence tests in the world and are calibrated by using a representative sample of the population, and then designed to yield a normal distribution, or “bell curve.” Because few people score in the very high or low ranges,
By Kurt Goerke
the tests are not considered accurate for very low or high iQs.
38
There have been many studies concerning the impact of such things as heritability, environment, sex, race and family environment among other things on intelligence testing. Most of the conclusions drawn are still debated. when it comes to the most practical applications of iQ testing, such as its accuracy in predicting how well a
IQTesting parentguide.com
Parent Guide速
39
IQTesting
student will do in school, the
measurement tool to assess
scores, Mottron says. According
results are still inconclusive.
these other traits.
to Mottron, the average boost in
The American Psychological
score is 30 points, enough to put
Association’s 1995 report
Even the type of IQ test given can
someone previously considered
“Intelligence: Knowns and
provide quite different results.
mentally retarded into the normal
Unknowns” states that wherever
At a meeting of the American
range and to elevate the average
it has been studied, children with
Association for the Advancement
performer to gifted status.
high scores on tests of intelligence
of Science, researchers presented
tend to learn more of what is
reports showing that people
So, while there may be a place
taught in school than their
with autism receive surprisingly
for standardized intelligence
lower-scoring peers. Still, the
different results depending on
testing, there is also great wisdom
correlation between IQ score and
the IQ test administered to them.
in recognizing that even the best
grades is about 50 percent, so
Canadian researcher Dr. Laurent
tool for measuring something as
testing high on an IQ test does
Mottron, an autism researcher
complex as individual human
not necessarily translate into
at Montreal’s Hôpital Rivière-
intelligence and ability will be
good grades. Successful school
des-Prairies, believes the wrong
inadequate and unable to
learning, they conclude, depends
intelligence tests are used to
accurately evaluate every
on many personal characteristics
assess autistic children.
individual. Standardized tests,
other than intelligence, such as
and even school grades, may not
memory, persistence, interest in
Many are tested using the Wechsler
represent a child’s achievements
school and willingness to study.
scale, a test that includes questions
or capabilities. Perhaps, we are
The American Psychological
about words and concepts
best served when we celebrate our
Association also concluded that
learned in school—something
children’s individual strengths and
individual characteristics such
very difficult for children on the
praise them for making the most
as interpersonal skills, aspects
autism spectrum. However, when
of their particular abilities. Some
of personality, etc., are probably
the same children are tested
people go as far as to say that
of equal or greater importance
with the Raven’s Progressive
each child is gifted. It is up to their
than IQ when predicting job
Matrices test, which measures
teachers, friends and families to
performance for adults. They
abstract reasoning, consistently,
help them discover in what way
state that there is no reliable
the autistic children earn higher
and to nurture those gifts.
Now the body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as He intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary. Excerpted from 1st Corinthians Chapter 12 verses 14-22
40
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Parent Guide速
41
42
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PhysicianFinder Referral Service 1-800-822-DOCS Affiliated with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
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45
school STORY
By Barbara Bedingfield
WHY WALDORF WORKS
The startling news that Silicon Valley engineers and executive officers choose to send their children to a low-tech Waldorf school made the front page of the New York Times recently. National TV networks picked up the story and, afterwards, local network affiliates across the country began to air stories about Waldorf schools in their own areas. Suncoast Waldorf School in Palm Harbor, the most developed of the few Waldorf schools in Florida, was featured on the news by both Channel 8 and Channel 10. While most private and public schools promote the use of computers and other screen technology as a means of educating children, Waldorf schools around the world have held to what they consider more developmentally appropriate practices for more than 90 years, reserving the use of technology until high school. These practices include
46
parentguide.com
• • • • • • •
genuine play-based kindergartens and nurseries lessons brought through the art of oral storytelling the creation by students of their own textbooks, called “Main Lesson Books” in which they must summarize and illustrate what they have learned the opportunity for every student to draw, paint, sing and play instruments the teaching of such practical skills as knitting, crocheting, sewing and woodworking and eurhythmy, an art of movement unique to Waldorf schools two daily recess periods that allow for a “great outbreath” after concentrated work in the classroom
The classical education offered by Waldorf schools also includes the teaching of two foreign languages starting in
first grade and a literature base that includes the fairy tales, fables, legends, and mythologies of the world. A computer or IPAD can never take the place of a story well-told by a warm human being or the learning of a foreign language from a native speaker who embodies the folk soul of the culture. Screen technology that fosters separate, individual learning cannot compare with the dynamics of a class learning together and experiencing the sheer wonder and awe of the world through their teacher. The Waldorf curriculum, while meeting the academic standards of the states, is first and foremost, developmentally appropriate, so that the soul needs of the children are truly met at each specific age. The knowledge that children from seven to fourteen have pictorial, rather than abstract thinking demands that teachers use their own imaginations to present the lessons with imagery and artistry rather
than relying on a scripted textbook or on a technologydriven lesson. When a child is listening to the founding of Rome and making mental pictures of what is being heard, the learning goes deep because the child’s feeling life is touched. The internet has a wealth of information, but when the real s goal is to ignite a fire for learning rather than filling heads with facts, the use of technology is viewed as more of an intrusion and a distraction. Moreover, it is the strong bond established between child and teacher for their 8-year journey together that surely clinches the human aspect of Waldorf as no technology can ever possibly emulate. The following article was written by Barbara Bedingfield, Founding Director of Suncoast Waldorf School in Palm Harbor. Visit suncoastwaldorf.org for more information.
Parent GuideÂŽ
47
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