Library Resources for Academic Success

by Jessica Rehbaum, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

This fall, you can help your child succeed in school with some of the many public library educational resources including live interactive tutoring, virtual science experiments and literary criticism.

To get started, visit HCPLC.org/HomeworkHelp and log in at the link for each resource using your public library card number and 4-digit PIN.

Tutor.com

Tutor.com offers homework help including live, online interactive tutoring services for kids in grades K-12. This service is available year-round for all school subjects from 2 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Assistance is available both in English and Spanish. Students can safely connect with a vetted, highly trained tutor to tackle homework problems. Tutors have access to virtual whiteboards, graphing calculators and other resources to help explain concepts to students in an age-appropriate manner. Tutor.com also offers a very convenient drop-off service for essays, resumes and math help. Parents should note that Tutor.com abides by the Children’s Privacy Protection Act and is COPPA compliant.

Science Online

For students who either struggle with or love science, the library offers Science Online. This is a comprehensive STEM resource that provides topic centers, eLearning modules, tables, information on featured scientists, the latest science in the news, diagrams and timelines for a variety of branches of science. The Science Online main web page is updated frequently and is easily searchable to find areas of interest. This is mostly geared for middle and high school students, and younger children could benefit with the assistance of someone older. The Science Online articles provide a linked glossary and a citator to assist students with assignments. This service offers interactive experiments that contain lists of materials, instructions and interactive components to “conduct the experiment” through the website, videos, lesson plans for home school use and articles with a read aloud feature for auditory learners.

All photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library.

Blooms Literature

Blooms Literature is the library’s newest digital literary resource that helps students learn more about authors and their works. This resource offers information on titles and authors most studied in high school and contains thousands of peer-reviewed journals and critical articles regarding these works. This resource contains full length videos of classic plays and films, full text poems and author podcast interviews.

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library offers these and many more resources on the Homework Help web page at HCPLC.org/HomeworkHelp. Students can access these materials with both the HAAL pass and their regular library cards.

Favorite Kids Book

Jessica recommends The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. Borrow a copy of this picture book at bit.ly/HCPLC-1022.

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

EDU GUIDE 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. 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

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: 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.

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.

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 EDU GUIDE 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.

MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

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

The only elementary magnet school to host TWO programs--arts and environmental science--Muller Magnet meets the needs of students of all interests! Daily, students experience 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.

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

North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA) is an accredited college preparatory private school, serving students in grades K-12. Located in Wesley Chapel on 44 acres, NTCA provides immersive on-campus education that encourages innovation through project-based learning and an engaging thematic structure. When life demands flexibility for an off-campus option, we also provide the Titan Teacher Network, a "teacher-centric" live online learning experience.

ODESSA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 19521 Michigan Ave., Odessa 33556 813-792-1825; odessachristianschool.org

OCS is a Christ-focused school for motivated learners who want to dive into learning with an emphasis on mastery and application. Using inquiry, collaboration, exploration and discussion as well as field trips and travel, students gain unparalleled responsibility, experience, perseverance and confidence in learning and public speaking.

ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET

(VISUAL, PERFORMING AND COMMUNICATION ARTS)

3415 16th St., Tampa 33605 813-276-5717; hillsboroughschools.org/orangegrove

Be a shining star at Orange Grove, where high academic achievement meets creativity. Our historic campus includes two professional dance studios, video production, visual arts with a MAC lab and exceptional music and technical theater suites. We help our students prepare for their next step if they choose to apply to Blake High School or to hone their skills so they can "wow" their families. Our kids get a well-rounded education. Enrollment: 372 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,084 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 430 Class-Size: 25 Grades: K-8 Tuition: $7,225-$8,595

Enrollment: 441 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 500 Class-Size: varies Grades: K-12 Tuition: $13,745 - $18,230

Enrollment: 70 max Class-Size: 20-25 max Grades: K-12 Tuition: $10,500 - $12,000

Enrollment: 521 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE