MLB PLAYER’S GIFT: Tampa Bay native

by Maggie Rodriguez

One of the Inner City Baseball teams

Inner City Baseball player Grady Sawyer participated in the foundation’s Christmas gift giving event

Donate to The Givens Back Foundation or inquire about joining a team through email at GivensBackFoundation@ yahoo.com or Instagram @GivensBackFoundation60

GIVENS BACK Tampa NaTive & major League piTcher mychaL giveNs gives LocaL kids The gifT of basebaLL

by Maggie Rodriguez

Colorado Rockies pitcher Mychal Givens throws two strikes, then pauses to talk to his opponent.

“Take a breath. Loosen up,” he tells the batter, who exhales and nods. The next pitch connects, sending the ball deep into the outfield.

“There you go!” Givens shouts and flashes a big smile.

The exchange would be odd if Givens were on the mound at a major-league ballpark. But it makes perfect sense at the small field in North Tampa where he’s throwing to 8-12-year-olds competing in a homerun derby. The event is part of the fourth annual Blitzball Clinic—a charity fundraiser for The Givens Back Foundation—aimed at making baseball accessible and affordable to any kid who wants to play.

“I was frustrated seeing grown men making money off of families and making baseball a huge, expensive sport when it should be about the kids and about having fun,” Givens says.

Playing in travel baseball leagues, Givens explains, is cost-prohibitive for families who can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars or whose kids aren’t superior athletes. To change that, Givens assembled two teams of his own, which he coaches during the MLB offseason. The players—aged 11 through 14— are from all over Tampa Bay and all walks of life. They play under the name “Inner City Baseball.”

“When people say, ‘I’m from the inner city’, they think that you’re less privileged and it’s a negative term,” Givens says, “so we use the inner-city name to define the word as the one city you’re from—the inner city of Tampa—kids from all over.”

To join Givens’ teams, families are asked to pay a one-time commitment fee payable at their convenience. It covers everything from equipment to travel expenses.

“If you want to play, we have the resources to do that. We have the coaches to help you. We’ll spend the time,” explains Ryan Fleming, who coaches the teams with Givens and played baseball with him as a kid.

“That’s where I have my best memories,” Givens says of his days playing little-league baseball in West Tampa and Wellswood.

Growing up in Tampa Bay and now raising his two young daughters here, Givens feels compelled to give back to his community. The Givens Back Foundation also focuses on community service. During the holidays, they partnered with the Tampa Police Department to distribute turkeys to needy families and with the City of Tampa to buy and hand out Christmas gifts for underprivileged kids.

“It made me feel really good in the heart,” says 11-year-old Grady Sawyer, who plays for Inner City Baseball.

To continue and expand its charitable giving and fund its baseball teams, The Givens Back Foundation depends on donations and fundraisers like the Blitzball Clinic, which raised around $40,000. A celebrity bowling tournament later this year is expected to raise double that amount.

Watching Givens pitch to 22 kids in the homerun derby, offering support and encouragement, it’s obvious that he practices what he and his foundation preach:

“We need to build each other up.”

Your Guide Tampa BayArea Schools to: The Tampa Bay area is lucky to have such a wealth of incredible private, charter and magnet education options making it easy to find the perfect school for your child.

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES

2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639 813-909-7919; academyatthelakes.org

Academy at the Lakes is an independent, non-denominational college preparatory school located in Land O'Lakes. Offering grades PreK3-12, Academy is a learning community of shared values dedicated to the success of each individual. Academy at the Lakes celebrates the love of learning and the joy in the journey. ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES

3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org

The Academy of the Holy Names empowers students to be authentic individuals who engage in independent thought, are inspired by creativity and lead culturally aware, spiritually rich lives. Our innovative approach to curriculum integrates technology, encourages artistic expression and actively engages students in exploration and inquiry. ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY

501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 33710 727-384-5500; farragut.org

Admiral Farragut Academy is a co-ed, private K-12 school that offers boarding for grades 8-12. Farragut offers more than just an education—it’s an experience, a journey, a launch point for life. The student body represents an average of 32 countries and 17 U.S. states. Signature programs include aviation, marine science, scuba, sailing, engineering, NJROTC and leadership. Summer day and boarding camps also offered. Discover what only Farragut students can experience. ALEGRIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

5995 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg 33705 727-310-8243; alegriamontessori.com

Alegria Montessori School is an authentic Montessori program that creates a rich learning environment and supports individual development. We are also a bilingual program, with students receiving Spanish instruction throughout the week from native Spanish speakers. We offer a true Montessori education through middle school. Come discover the joy of Montessori. ANDES SMART ACADEMY

19215 Livingston Ave., Lutz 33559 813-803-3994; andessmart.academy

Our goal is to provide an excellent experience for every family who enters our preschool area. More than a daycare, we are a preschool learning center. BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org

Bayshore Christian School is a college preparatory, accredited, non-denominational Christian school serving students 2 years old through 12th grade. Founded in 1971, Bayshore Christian School is located on 10 acres in residential South Tampa. BCS provides athletics and fine arts opportunities in addition to a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum. Enrollment: 475 Class-size: 7 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $12,300-

$25,250 Enrollment: 970 Class-size: varies by division. Grades: PreK-8 Coed, 9-12 All Girls Tuition: $13,000 (PreK)

to $20,730 (High School) Enrollment: 500 Class-size: 17:1 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $13,000$50,000

Enrollment: 140 Class-size: Small class sizes in elementary and middle school Grades: age 1 to grade 8 Tuition: Varies depend-

ing on age Enrollment: Capacity for 105 children Class-size: DCF ratios, based on age Grades: 3 months to 5 years, and afternoon school-age tutoring Tuition: $223-$286

Enrollment: 250 Class-size: 10 Grades: K2-12 Tuition: $8,860-$10,800

BELL CREEK ACADEMY

13221 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-793-6075; bellcreekacademy.com

A tuition-free public charter school proudly serving grades 6-12, Bell Creek provides a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge Program for Advanced Studies and an award-winning athletic program and are Cognia accredited.

BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org

In Berkeley Preparatory School’s safe, nurturing environment, inspiring teaching, engaged parents and alumni and incomparable facilities come together on a beautiful campus. Our broad curricular and extracurricular program serves a diverse community of learners who relish a supportive culture, the school’s Episcopal identity, its ongoing commitment to continual self-improvement and a deeply authentic dedication to making a positive difference in the world.

BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill 34610 727-857-2600; bmchs.com

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School provides a Christ-centered education that nurtures the development of the whole person. Bishop has a 100% graduation rate and a 100% college-acceptance rate. We are the number one college-prep, private high school in Pasco County as ranked by Niche. com and offer a wide variety of class options, sports and extracurricular activities. BOWERS/WHITLEY CAREER CENTER

13609 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1750; mysdhc.org/bowers-whitley

BWCC offers a unique high school experience that allows students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and valuable career/vocational training. Students have the option to graduate up to one year early. Students can earn industry certifications in automotive repair or achieve training and preparation for licensing to become a barber. Coming in 202122, BWCC will offer classes in building construction technologies. BWCC offers a flexible, caring and supportive small learning environment. BRANDON ACADEMY

801 Limona Road, Brandon 33510 813-689-1952; brandon-academy.com

Motto: QUALITY EDUCATION IN A COMMUNITY OF RESPECT At Brandon Academy, students, parents and teachers work together in an environment supported by open communication and community pride. Experienced, respectful children with a positive attitude toward learning are the end result of the Brandon Academy school program. CALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

110 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-449-2247; cchs.us

Calvary offers an advanced college preparatory education in an environment where students are taught a Christian worldview with the Word of God being integrated into each subject. Calvary also offers many extra-curricular activities for your child including athletics, fine arts, SGA, clubs and leadership opportunities. CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

6101 N. Habana Ave., Tampa 33614 813-872-6744; ccslancers.com

Cambridge Christian is a college preparatory, Christian outreach school serving students 3 months through 12th grade. We are an award-winning, National Blue Ribbon 2020 school. Our goal is to partner with parents and the local church in the education of your children. This partnership provides a strong foundation for college and life. Visit us today! Grades: 6-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,386 Class-size: 20 Grades: PreK-12 Tuition: $18,370-$27,750

Enrollment: 350 Class-size: 20 Grades: 9-12

Tuition: $13,595 Enrollment: 100 Class-size: 10-25 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 237 Class-size: 12 Grades: PreK3-12

Tuition: $6,350-$12,200 Enrollment: 675 Class-size: 13:1 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $13,800 + fees

Enrollment: 690 Class-size: 17 Grades: 3 months through grade 12 Tuition: $8,000-$16,000

CANTERBURY SCHOOL OF FLORIDA

990 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg 33702 727-521-5903; canterburyflorida.org

Canterbury School of Florida is a private, co-ed, college preparatory school on two campuses in Saint Petersburg serving ages 3 through grade 12. Founded in 1968, Canterbury School of Florida educates and nurtures the whole child in mind, body and spirit in preparation for college and an honorable life as a responsible steward of our world. CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL

Bearss Avenue Campus | 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 Early Childhood Campus | 12606 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 813-920-2288; carrollwooddayschool.org

Carrollwood Day School is a world class co-ed IB school in Tampa for college-bound students age 2 through 12th grade. CDS fosters the development of the entire student not only in academics, but also ethically, emotionally and through social experience. Our goal is to help students discover and develop their own talents and interests and use these to better the world and themselves. CENTER ACADEMY

727-541-5716; centeracademy.com

Founded in 1968 and AdvancED accredited, Center Academy provides a small, safe setting to help students to focus, organize and learn. We work with students in grades 4-12 with ADHD and learning differences and accept McKay, Gardiner and Tax Credit Scholarships. Dual enrolment and summer programs are available. CHANNELSIDE ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE

1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa 33602 813-579-9649; channelsideacademy.com

Students at this tuition-free, public charter school receive a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation. CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL

3809 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa 33629 813-876-8770; cks-school.org

Christ the King Catholic School offers an academically challenging PreK4 through 8th grade curriculum in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. Our outstanding faculty, joyful campus and enriching academics provide students with a strong foundation of skills, compassion and confidence to excel at the area’s leading high schools. COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Toddler & Primary Campus, 4930 Webb Road, Tampa 33615; 813-886-2050 Elementary & Middle Campus, 8411 Civic Road, Tampa 33615; 813-886-3969 communitymontessori.org

Community Montessori School provides a prepared environment that responds to the developmental needs of the child and cultivates the unique potential of each individual by adhering to Montessori principles. CMS is a warm, secure community with a high expectation for the quality of thought, work and mastery of content and skill. CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS

12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087; corbettprep.com

Founded 52 years ago, Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum for all students. Teachers use research-based strategies to create hands-on learning experiences. Visual and performing arts, team sports and social-emotional learning curriculum align to develop confident, creative, innovative thinkers with character ready to contribute to the world in a meaningful, positive way. Enrollment: 350 Class-size: 12 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $6,000-

6710 86th Ave. N., Pinellas Park 33782

$22,000 Enrollment: 1,008 Class-size: Varies Grades: Age 2 to grade 12 Tuition: $6,500$24,000

Enrollment: 90 Class-size: 18 Grades: 4-12

Tuition: $12,680-$15,180 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 507 Class-size: 23 Grades: PreK4-8

Tuition: $8,230-$9,940 Enrollment: 133 Class-size: Average 25 Grades: 18 months-15 years

Tuition: $7,200-$10,700 Enrollment: 514 Class-size: Varies by grade (12-20) Grades: PreK3-8 Tuition: $12,890-$17,410

COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

1850 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-799-1618 ext. 1901; myccacademy.org

Countryside Christian Academy’s mission is to provide excellence in Christian education while instilling Biblical principles in students’ lives that they might impact their society for Christ. Our program is fully accredited and well-balanced, encouraging the development of the whole child: spirit, soul (mind) and body. COVENANT ACADEMY

5495 Pinellas Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 33781 727-542-6294; covenantacademyfl.org

Covenant Academy offers a college preparatory and Christ-centered education in a safe, nurturing and engaging environment. We’re the only certified University-Model® school in Florida. Stimulating, character-based teaching is provided three days a week in the classroom paired with two days of home learning. We offer an award-winning art instructor, soccer program and music education by the Patel Conservatory. DELPHI ACADEMY OF FLORIDA

1831 Drew St., Clearwater 33765 727-447-6385; delphifl.org

Delphi Academy delivers a student-centered education for a successful future. We offer preschool (starting at age 2) through high school. We offer small class sizes, a CDC-compliant campus and everything from our award-winning early reader program to college prep. DOWDELL MIDDLE MAGNET (ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

1208 Wishing Well Way, Tampa 33619 813-744-8322; hillsboroughschools.org/dowdell

We bridge passion for the environment with real world learning. Students can take unique environmental and animal science electives. Students learn outdoors with our salt marsh grass nursery and land lab, and experience our hydroponics and aquaponics labs. Education at Dowdell is strengthened by our proud partnership with The Florida Aquarium. DUNBAR ELEMENTARY MAGNET (MEDICAL SCIENCE)

1730 Union St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5677; dunbar.mysdhc.org

We partner with AdventHealth, USF Health’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and the Patel Conservatory. Students participate in show choir, drums and Little Kids Rock band. Student-led inquiry and goal setting, National Elementary Honor Society, 3-D printing, and Genius Hour are other elements creating a great learning experience. FERRELL GIRLS PREPARATORY ACADEMY (CAMBRIDGE CANDIDATE)

4302 24th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5608; hillsboroughschools.org/ferrell

As a Cambridge International Magnet School, we are dedicated to developing confident, dynamic, educated young women. Our technology-rich, interactive learning campus—including our 1:1 iPad program—infuses 21st century technology skills into every student’s learning. Our rigorous Scholar Quest high school credit courses challenge our students in a variety of subjects. FRANKLIN BOYS PREPARATORY ACADEMY (CAMBRIDGE CANDIDATE)

3915 21st Ave., Tampa 33605 813-744-8108; hillsboroughschools.org/franklin

As a Cambridge International Magnet School, we are molding young men of distinction who will achieve greatness. We promote academic achievement, professionalism and self-confidence. Our young men prepare for college in a technology-rich environment with a robotics makerspace and Smart Boards and iPads available for every student. Free after-school Enrichment Academies including debate, golf and Model UN. Enrollment: 140 Class-size: 1:15 Grades: K5-8

Tuition: $9,000 + fees Enrollment: 54 Class-size: 10 Grades: K-10, Dual enroll at grade 11. Tuition: $4250-$5150

Enrollment: 215 Class-size: 10 to 18 (depending on grade level) Grades: preschool, PreK - grade 12

Tuition: $7,800-$12,800 enrollment: 625 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 260 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition FREE Enrollment: 583 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 530 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

THE FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF TAMPA BAY (FASTB)

2100 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33702 727-800-2159; fastb.org

FASTB offers a multicultural educational experience that is unique in this region. French is the language of instruction in all subjects, so children are immersed, learning the language in context and becoming bilingual naturally. Our school is in-person, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, and we still have slots available for 2020-21 in our small, flexible environment. Contact us today - Merci! (Licence #52511985542) GRECO MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

6925 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 33617 813-987-6926; hillsboroughschools.org/greco

Our school-wide IB candidate program, guided by International Baccalaureate World School principles, launches in Temple Terrace in Fall 2020. Rigorous STEM and Pre-KAPS (King HS Advanced Placement Scholars) programs are offered, along with Scholar Quest high school credit courses including engineering, culinary and computer science. *Transportation provided for attendance-area only. HILLSBOROUGH VIRTUAL K-12

2704 N. Highland Ave., Tampa 33602 813-983-7278; hillsboroughschools.org/virtual

Hillsborough Virtual K-12 offers personalized learning in a structured, yet flexible environment. It is a school choice option in which students learn in a digital space using a web-based curriculum with highly-qualified teachers from Hillsborough County. Students can take part in athletics and extracurricular activities at their zoned school. HILLSDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa 33625 813-884-8250; hcatampa.org

Hillsdale provides a variety of activities and learning opportunities for our students. Our primary purpose is to help children grow spiritually, socially, physically, intellectually, and creatively in welcoming surroundings as a supplement to the home environment. Our staff will work hard to create a loving, Christian atmosphere for children's development. HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL

3712 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-0665; htlstampa.org

Holy Trinity Lutheran School is a co-educational school located in the heart of South Tampa. Founded in 1958, HTLS offers an enriching and rewarding academic education in a loving and safe Christian environment. Our mission is to provide Christ-centered academic excellence and care for the whole child that equips them for lifelong learning and service. IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

5001 Nebraska Ave., Suite A, Tampa 33603 813-467-3004; ideapublicschools.org/regions/tampa-bay

IDEA believes a quality K-12 public education is the key to success in college and life and is committed to helping every student achieve their own success. Personalized learning, critical thinking skills, mastery of core subjects and continued support through college is IDEA’s recipe for success. IGNITE ACADEMY

1555 Windmill Pointe Road, Palm Harbor 34685 727-900-6164; igniteacademy.education

Ignite Academy is a growing, independent Christian School serving families from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Ignite Academy is enrolling kindergarten through fourth grade for the 2021-2022 school year. At Ignite Academy, your child will be immersed into a learning environment of real health: mental, physical and spiritual health. Enrollment: 40, Capacity is 80-90 Class-size: 15 Grades: Pre-K (age 3)-8

Tuition: $6,500-$13,500 Enrollment: 819 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 2,000 Class-size: n/a Grades: K-12

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 155 Class-size: 15 Grades: PreK2-grade 6 Tuition: $180/week

(preschool) - $7,700 Enrollment: 191 Class-size: 16 Grades: PreK-grade 5

Tuition: $5,950 Enrollment: 1,000 Class-size: 18-25 Grades: K-2 & 6 upon launching in 2021. Each campus will add a grade each year until fully scaled to grades K-12. Tuition: FREE

Enrollment 35 Class-size: 9 Grades: K-4 Tuition: $500-$8,000

INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY

12902 E. U.S. Highway 92, Dover 33527 813-473-8600; iacademies.com

Independence Academy provides a tuition-free, well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere, and a focus on character development preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation.

JCCS PRESCHOOL AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa 33625 813-264-9000; jewishtampa.com

Located in Citrus Park and South Tampa, the JCCs provide a safe environment with low student-to-staff ratios. The preschools offer creative and meaningful activities, Club J Afterschool provides homework supervision and Club J School Day supervises virtual school. All programs deliver high-quality activities for infants through fifth grade. KEYSTONE PREP HIGH SCHOOL

18105 Gunn Highway, Odessa 33556 813-264-4500; keystoneprep.org

Get ready to experience a school unlike anything you have encountered! Keystone Prep High School is a non-profit private school located in Odessa, just outside Tampa, with small classes and individualized support. Our mission is to not only help students achieve their full potential, but also reach pinnacles of success they never thought possible. LAND O’ LAKES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

5105 School Road, Land O’ Lakes 34638 813-995-9040; lolcs.org

A Christ-honoring atmosphere for preschool through high school, LOLCS trains students to develop and grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically. We offer a fully accredited, balanced program that emphasizes spiritual life, challenging academics for college preparation and opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents in fine arts and athletics. LCC DAY SCHOOL

4400 Chancellor St. NE, St. Petersburg 33703 727-552-8331; lccdayschool.com

LCC Day School is a partnership of school, church and families, inspiring superior academic performance while instilling leadership, responsibility and values in a nurturing environment. Our mission is to meet the changing needs of our students as they develop their God-given potential from early childhood through adolescence.

1207 E. Renfro St., Plant City 33563 813-757-9329; lincoln.mysdhc.org

We prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students can study global cultures and develop an open and curious mind. Students engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, Inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more. LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5727; lockhart.mysdhc.org

Students learn using the latest technology tools and programs. We provide STEM Education with PLTW (Project Lead the Way), where students engage in hands-on activities, projects and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. Engage with robotics experiences, engineering challenges, outdoor learning and wildlife habitats. Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: Club J: 30-55 per location; JCC Preschool: 100-150 per location Class-size: Varies Grades: Infants-grade 5

Tuition: Varies Enrollment: 43 Class-size: 8-12 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $18,500-

$25,000 Enrollment: 330 Class-size: 10-20 Grades: PreK3-12

Tuition: $5,000-$6,950 Enrollment: 532 Class-size: 8-17 Grades: PreK2-8 Tuition: Preschool $3,786-$5,549; Elementary-Middle

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

$10,073-$11,910 Enrollment: 501 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 387 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET (GIFTED TALENT ACADEMY)

4207 26th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5569; lomax.mysdhc.org

Students are active thinking and learning citizens, engaging their minds with Math Olympiad, TiViTz, Chess, Future Problem Solvers and Odyssey of the Mind. We embrace the arts with World Drumming, Violin and Little Kids Rock; build with LEGO and VEX Robotics and grow through Student Ambassadors and National Honor Society. MACFARLANE PARK ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

1721 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33607 813-356-1760; macfarlanepark.mysdhc.org

As the #1 Elementary Magnet School in America, we prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students study global cultures, engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more. MARSHALL MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

18 S. Maryland Ave., Plant City 33563 813-757-9360; hillsboroughschools.org/marshall

Launching with sixth grade in Fall 2020, students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy in Plant City. Students can engage in STEM; Robotics; Culinary Arts; Math League and AVID college readiness. Optional Scholar Quest high school credit courses offer additional rigor. *Transportation provided for attendance-area only. MONTESSORI KIDS UNIVERSE BRANDON

3721 Canoga Park Dr., Brandon 33511 813-571-3400; montessorikidsuniverse.com/brandon

Our school is the premier international early childhood franchise offering an authentic Montessori-Reggio inspired curriculum. We have created a unique learning experience, integrating the Montessori philosophy with our proprietary DaVinci Kids art and science curriculum. Children benefit from a learning experience enriched with gardening, foreign language, yoga, music and cooking. MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET (VISUAL, PERFORMING, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1355; muller.mysdhc.org

Students learn through Arts and Science Integration, where they experience weekly strings, dance, music and art classes. They engage in the orchestra and rock band, performance groups and our annual musical. Students can explore the outdoor classroom, global gardens, and take part in the National Honor Society and student government. NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

7777 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33709 727-541-7593; nck12.com

Named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education, Northside Christian School equips students to reach their God-given potential through outstanding academic and extra-curricular programs within a Christ-centered environment. NCS offers Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Honors and Praxis classes. Northside has been serving PreK3 -12th grade students in a safe, nurturing environment since 1971. NORTH TAMPA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

5585 E. County Line Road, Wesley Chapel 33544 813-991-0801; northtampaca.com

North Tampa Christian Academy provides an on-campus experience that encourages innovation through project-based learning and thematic structure. When life demands flexibility, we offer the Titan Teacher Network, a “teacher-centric” virtual learning experience. Parents have the freedom to flex from on-campus to accessing at home instruction through the Titan Teacher Network, ensuring excellent education every day. Enrollment: 390 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 370 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 911 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 70 Class-size: Small class sizes Grades: 18 months - kindergarten

Tuition: Varies by age Enrollment: 439 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 720 Class-size: 16 Grades: PreK3-12

Tuition: $7,350-$13,450 Enrollment: 300 Class-size: 15:1 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $13,475-$17,875