Parent Guide Educational Issue 2012

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

Parent Guide®

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SPECIAL EVENTS

10 StateFair Making a Difference!

• Established in 1971 • Dual Accreditation ACSI/SACS

Open House Dates January 19 February 16

• Integrated Technology in Classrooms • Diverse Athletic & Fine Arts Opportunities • Partnering with Christian Families for a Quality Education 129 N. Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-797-1186 tel 727-797-8516 fax

11 Health Safety 12 Largo Play Unplug 13 Chalkart festival 14 Touch Truck 15 Thomas TankEngine

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Growing Chlde 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

SK Y CR ES T

Ch risti a n Pre sch oo l

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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!

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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

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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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