WHAT YOU SHOULD BE ASKING AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL: Keep these ques-

What Should You Be Asking An Independent School?

photos and story by Admiral Farragut Academy Admissions staff

The typical independent school guide prepares families to tour campuses to gauge school identity and learn about curriculum and academic rigor, school accreditations and extracurriculars. Outside of those important checkboxes, what else are you asking, or better yet–not asking?

Many important topics often get missed. These include: How does an environment that provides academic excellence actually prepare a student for the next phase of their development? How does the school community immerse the students and their families in a mindful and global community? More importantly, how are families making this opportunity a reality for their students?

At Admiral Farragut Academy, we educate our prospective families and their students about the experiential learning opportunities that take place here to develop a 100% college accepted graduating class, cultivating a global and mindful community, and strategies to meet the investment of a private school education.

Academic rigor is a topic that comes to most parents’ minds when searching for private schools. But what about substituting that with academic excellence? Students who are looking for academic support or challenge also need the proper support that will channel the rigor towards the appropriate “college fit”. Farragut consistently produces graduating classes with 100% college acceptances. This comes from the support of the Academic Leadership Team and College Advising Team that prepares students for the requirements to apply to colleges and universities. With a range of College Prep Academics to the AP Capstone Diploma, Farragut has a breadth of academic options to meet the strategies for Ivy bound students to those destined for international institutions and everything in between.

Cultivating a global and mindful community is what sets AFA apart in the greater Tampa Bay area, with students from 25 countries, 15 American states and two international campuses. Farragut offers Upper School students the option to board five or seven days a week. This boarding element at Farragut provides future young adults the tools to thrive in a space to become independent global leaders. Local students can choose to be day students and participate in after school activities, but don’t be surprised if your day student asks you about becoming a boarding student after hearing about the weekend activities and excursions boarders enjoy!

Learning about the enrichment of a private school experience may make parents wonder: How do I make this a reality? Admiral Farragut Academy has outstanding and competitive merit-based scholarship opportunities aimed at students of exceptional academic performance who demonstrate strong character and good citizenship and are reflective of the mission of AFA.

BURNING QUESTIONS TO ADD TO YOUR NEXT CAMPUS TOUR:

How does an environment that provides academic excellence actually prepare a student for the next phase of their development?

What experience is the community providing to immerse the students and their families in a mindful and global community?

How are families making this opportunity a reality for their students?

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

Berkeley Preparatory School presents a safe, nurturing environment with inspiring teachers on a beautiful campus. Our broad curricular and extracurricular program is enjoyed by a diverse community of learners following personalized paths. Students relish a supportive culture, the school’s Episcopal identity, its commitment to self-improvement and dedication to making a positive difference in the world.

BOWERS/WHITLEY CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 13609 N. 22nd. St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1750; hillsboroughschools.org/bowers-whitley

Bowers/Whitley Career Acceleration Academy High School offers a unique 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 in Building Construction Technologies. We offer a flexible, caring and supportive small learning environment.

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, leadership opportunities and more! Come for a visit today!

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 Main Campus - 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 Preschool Campus - 12606 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 813-920-2288; cdspatriots.org

Carrollwood Day School is a world class coed IB school in Tampa for college bound students age 2 to grade 12. Our mission is to create entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society. We provide strong character-based education emphasizing problem-solving skills and philanthropic understanding. CDS fosters the development of the entire student not only in academics, but also ethically, emotionally and through social experience.

CENTER ACADEMY 6710 86th Ave. N., Pinellas Park 33782 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. Grades: 6-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,401 Fall 2021 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-grade 12 Tuition: $18,825 - $28,450

Enrollment: 64 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 755 Class-Size: 12:1 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: See website

Enrollment: 400 Class-Size: 12 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $6,000 - $22,000

Enrollment: 1,094 Class-Size: 15-18, ratio 6:1 Grades: ages 2 to grade 12 Tuition: $6,548-$24,235

Enrollment: 90 Class-Size: 18 Grades: 4-12 Tuition: $12,680-$15,180

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 inspires each child to grow in the love of Christ, the joy of knowledge and the spirit of service. Our outstanding faculty, joyful campus and enriching academics provide PreK–8th grade students with a strong foundation to excel at the area's leading high schools. Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 514 Class-Size: 23 Grades: PreK4-8 Tuition: $8,540-$10,310

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. Enrollment: 125 Class-Size: Average 20 Grades: 18 months-15 years Tuition: $7,200-$10,700

CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087; corbettprep.com

Founded 53 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: 514 Class-Size: Varies by grade (12-20) Grades: PreK3-grade 8 Tuition: $13,255 - $17,775

COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1850 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-437-0090; 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. Enrollment: 180 Class-Size: 1:15 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $9,000 + Fees

D. W. WATERS CAREER ACCELERATION ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL 2704 N. Highland Ave., Tampa 33602 813-233-2655; hillsboroughschools.org/dwwaters

D.W. Waters Career Acceleration Academy High School offers the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and valuable career/vocational certification in Plumbing/Construction, Cosmetology and Barbering. We have the only accredited High School Plumbing Program in Florida. Our academic offerings include accelerated curriculum, individual academic plans and the potential for early graduation.

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. Our partnerships with the Florida Aquarium and surrounding recycling companies helps strengthen our mission to educate students to understand the environment around them and how to help it. Enrollment: 50 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE

enrollment: 625 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE