Hillsborough County, FL – October 27, 2017 – Public charter schools were created to give families an education alternative. They are tuition-free and give parents an opportunity to be involved in their child’s education.
According to a recent article in the Tampa Bay Times, In the next two weeks, local school districts will be holding information nights that allow families to learn more about magnets, academies and other special programs. After that, it’s time to attend open houses or “discovery nights” to actually see schools and meet the staffs. Then the application period kicks in, typically in December, January or February. And finally, if your child gains the desired seat, you must formally accept that invitation…Charter schools are multiplying quickly in Hillsborough, where enrollment in the schools was expected to increase by as much as 4,000 students this year.
Some good charter school options in Hillsborough are:
- Advantage Academy of Hillsborough
Theme: “A well-rounded education, through a challenging program, focused on mathematics and science using innovative, reform-based instructional methods in a stimulating and nurturing environment.”
350 West Prosser Drive, Plant City; K-8; advantageacademyhillsborough.com; (813) 567-0801
- Bell Creek Academy
Theme: Uses the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge.
13221 Boyette Road, Riverview; 6-12; bellcreekacademy.com; (813) 793-6075
- BridgePrep Academy of Riverview
Theme: “A nurturing and rigorous academic environment that embraces the Spanish culture and language, incorporates innovative technology, and promotes civic responsibility.”
6309 South US Highway 301, Riverview; K-8; bridgeprepriverview.com; (813) 405-1770
- BridgePrep Academy of Tampa
Theme: “A safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where high academic expectations, self-esteem, good character, and an appreciation for the arts are promoted,” along with a Spanish language program and technology.
2418 West Swann Ave., Tampa; K-8; batampa.bridgeprepacademy.com; (813) 258-5652
- Channelside Academy of Math and Science
Theme: Uses the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge.
1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa; K-8; channelsideacademy.com; (813) 579-9649
10322 Henderson Rd. Tampa, FL 33625; 813-739-6633
- Hillsborough Academy of Math & Science
Theme: Uses the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge.
9659 W Waters Ave., Tampa, K-8; hillsboroughacademy.com; (813) 793-6085
- Independence Academy
Theme: “A challenging program which emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, understanding of mathematical concepts and effective communication using innovative, reform-based instructional methods in a stimulating and nurturing environment.”
12902 E U.S. Highway 92, Dover; K-8; iacademies.com; (813) 473-8600
- Lutz Preparatory School
Theme: “Lutz Preparatory School strives to create a student-centered learning environment that fosters 21st Century skills and empowers students to be compassionate and strong in character.”
17951 N U.S. Hwy 41, Lutz; K-8; lutzprep.org; (813) 428-7100
11667 Big Bend Rd., Riverview, FL 33579; 813-769-1209
- Sports Leadership and Management Academy (SLAM) Tampa
Theme: “An innovative and in-depth secondary educational program that produces college-bound students through emphasis on sports-related majors and post-secondary preparation.”
7116 Gunn Highway, Tampa; 6-12; slamtampa.com; (813) 920-8802
- Sunlake Academy of Math and Science
Theme: “A well-rounded elementary and middle-school education, through a challenging program, focused on mathematics and science using innovative, reform-based instructional methods in a stimulating and nurturing environment.”
18711 N Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz; K-8; sunlakeacademy.org; (813) 616-5099
- Valrico Lake Advantage Academy
Theme: Uses the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge.
13306 Boyette Road, Riverview; K-5; valricoacademy.com; (813) 699-5049
6204 Scholars Hill Lane Riverview, FL 33578; 813-235-4811 – option #5
10402 N 56th St Temple Terrace, FL 33617; 813-708-1596
Follow this link to find a charter school in the Tampa area (created by the Tampa Bay Times).