Shorecrest: A world-class education in the heart of Tampa Bay

World-Class Education Right Here in Tampa Bay

by Raffi Darrow

When Shorecrest Preparatory School opened in August for the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment totaled 1,056 students—the largest in the School’s 100year history. A PK3-12 coed, independent school, Shorecrest is known for its studentcentered liberal arts curriculum; its forwardthinking science, math, and technology tracks; and its commitment to educating students to be thoughtful global citizens. Shorecrest students excel in a number of fields from athletics to performing arts, computer science to journalism. Since its founding in 1923, Shorecrest has been on the forefront of research-based best practices for teaching and learning. Schedules, course materials, classroom design and technology continue to evolve based on what current research tells us about what works best for young learners. Over the last five years, The Experiential School for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds and the kindergarten through fourth grade Lower School have become the preeminent experiential and project-based programs in the Tampa Bay Area. Through a program inspired by John Dewey and the Reggio Emilia approach to education, the youngest children at Shorecrest develop a love of learning and the habits of mind that allow them to be inquisitive and self-directed learners as they advance through school. Signature experiences abound throughout the PK3-12 experience. From “Drop Everything and STEAM” in fifth grade to Homecoming Week in Upper School, from theatrical performances to state championship athletic appearances, Shorecrest students have opportunities to explore in both breadth and depth. For example, in the Upper School’s Peck Center for Medical Sciences, students hear from nationally recognized surgeons, medical CEOs, therapists and more, and have regular opportunities to shadow medical professionals in the operating room. In addition, Shorecrest offers the Global Scholars Program and the STEAM Signature Program, each a specialized track for dedicated areas of study based on student interest. Shorecrest was first recognized as an Apple Distinguished School in 2016. Since 2020, Shorecrest has been ranked the number one high school in Pinellas county for STEM by Niche.com and in the top 500 schools for STEM nationwide by Newsweek Magazine. In addition to the academic, athletic and artistic areas of the Shorecrest experience, service learning is a deliberate part of a Shorecrest education, woven through all levels of the curriculum. The Class of 2022 alone completed more than 10,000 service hours over their four years of high school. Shorecrest partners with a host of community organizations to provide a volunteer workforce including Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Clothes to Kids, Hero to a Child, Southeastern Guide Dogs and All Children’s Hospital.

Shorecrest is known throughout the Tampa Bay Area for its impressive college acceptance rate and matriculation list. Year after year, alumni come back to extol the virtues of their Shorecrest experience and share their successes with their former teachers, coaches and directors. A Shorecrest education ensures that students are ready to thrive in university life and beyond.

Learn more about Shorecrest at www.shorecrest.org.

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 Christian Academy is a school that seeks to minister to families across the Tampa Bay area by reaching students intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially. We combine rigorous curriculum with an educated and loving staff to give your student the best educational experience possible to the end of producing successful students for the glory of God.

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.

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.

LIFT ACADEMY 13400 Park Blvd., Seminole 33776 727-258-7659; liftfl.org

LiFT's mission is to inspire and empower people with neurodiversity to learn, thrive and succeed. LiFT offers low teacher to student ratios, individualized education plans and specific accommodations aligning with each individual student's needs, workforce training and more so students successfully complete high school and increase their capacity for independence.

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

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

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. Enrollment: 1,101 Grades: K-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 178 Class-Size: 11-20 Grades: age 2 - grade 12 Tuition: $180/week - $8,400/year

Enrollment: 200 Class-Size: 16 Grades: PreK-grade 5 Tuition: $6,785

Enrollment: 67 Class-Size: 8-15 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $19,900 - $25,000

Enrollment: 470 Class-Size: 10-20 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $6,750-$7,250

Enrollment: 120 Class-Size: 10-20 Grades: K-12 Tuition: $11,500-$13,500

Enrollment: 521 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

LLT ACADEMY 1090 30th St. NE, Ruskin 33570 813-234-0940; lltacademy.com

LLT Academy & LLT Academy South Bay are independent, not-for-profit, K-8 public charter schools. LLT Academies are established Leader in Me schools and have a whole-child approach to learning with well-rounded foundational academics as well as fine arts, music and PE classes for all grade levels. Enrollment: 1,350 total for both schools Class-Size: Small class sizes Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

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

Students learn using the latest technology, such as STEM tools, LEGO robotics and flight simulators. The national Project Lead the Way program engages students in hands-on activities, projects and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. Students engage with robotics experiences, engineering challenges, outdoor learning and wildlife habitats. Enrollment: 340 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET (GIFTED TALENT ACADEMY)

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

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. Enrollment: 279 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

MACFARLANE PARK ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

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

As the #1 Elementary Magnet School in America in 2020, we offer students a unique and unbelievable experience. 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. Enrollment: 372 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

MARSHALL MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

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

Marshall IB students are guided by the International Baccalaureate program. The school is an IB Candidate School with authorization on the close horizon. Students can engage in STEM, robotics, culinary arts, Math League and AVID college readiness. Optional Scholar Quest high school credit courses offer additional rigor. Enrollment: 1,084 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

MONTESSORI ACADEMIES AND PREPARATORY SCHOOLS Main Office: 11302 N. 53rd St., Temple Terrace 33617 | 4 locations in Tampa Bay 813-899-2345; montessoriacademies.com

Private Schools educating children from 3 months through 5th Grade. Our program includes Early Reading Program, Foreign Languages, hands-on equipment, extra-curricular activities and are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come see why we are unique! Enrollment: varies Class-Size: varies Grades: ages 3 months through grade 5 Tuition: $9,400-$9,800

MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC SCHOOL 17524 Lakeshore Road, Lutz 33558 813-933-4750; mtctampa.org

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School is a private elementary school serving K-8th. We provide a rigorous curriculum in a nurturing Christ-centered environment. We foster service to others, instill self-discipline, promote the growth of the whole child, and prepare students for life-long learning. Enrollment: 430 Class-Size: 25 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $7,225-$8,595