Non-Profit Spotlight… Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg
I’m shining August’s spotlight on Academy Prep located at 2301 22nd Avenue, S. You may have driven by the campus over the years – I know I have but it wasn’t until I sought information about the school did I begin to understand how exceptional it is and how it prepares its students for real life.
Academy Prep Center is a rigorous private middle school for students qualifying for need-based scholarships in St. Petersburg. Students attend school 11 hours a day, 6 days a week, 11 months a year. Academic classes are taught separately by gender.
The school is part of Academy Prep Centers for Education, a private 501(c)(3) whose mission is to inspire and empower students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support.
Now in its 17th year, Academy Prep has developed specialty programs, funded by corporate partnerships and private foundations, which involve students and their families.
- Fit Families for Life: Is the centerpiece of a health curriculum engaging every grade level in multiple activities that reinforce healthy behaviors. Using nutrition training and physical fitness as the key subjects, activities for students and families include cooking classes, yoga, swimming, dance, and other healthy endeavors. With the involvement and commitment of Florida Blue, the Lightning Foundation, All Children’s Hospital, University of Tampa, White Family Foundation, YMCA, and other organizations, Fit Families for Life is designed for sustainability.
- Project Hope: Is a collaborative partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, Graham-Booth Landscape Architecture, and Academy Prep. The focus of the project is to design and install a new interactive community park area within the existing Boyd Hill Nature Park. This area will be utilized as a natural learning center to explore and protect the environment.
- Rosebud Leadership Academy: Is a girls’ program that nurtures self-confidence and builds self-esteem.
- BIZKID$: With assistance from WEDU Public Television, this program helps students understand finance, business planning, and personal responsibility. Using DVDs of this “kid friendly,” Emmy award winning television series as the catalyst for activities and discussion in the classroom, students learn the basics of economics, finance and entrepreneurship and apply these concepts to real life.
- Raymond James Project: Is specifically designed for 8th grade students. It provides classroom learning and hands-on activities in both personal and business financial matters. Led by experts from Raymond James, topics include the stock market, mortgages, and credit and debit cards, balancing a checkbook, loans, and understanding different financial institutions.
- Enterprise Village Program: As part the 5th grade social studies curriculum, students spend eight weeks in classes studying economic concepts. These concepts are the foundation for teaching students how to run a business, manage personal finances and become educated consumers. This exceptional program prepares Academy Prep students for “real life” and helps them use the lessons learned to make good choices and effective decisions regarding their personal lives.
To learn more about Academy Prep, volunteer opportunities, how to donate or schedule a tour, contact Michael Adekunle, Community Relations Coordinator at: 727-322-0800 x2108 or E-mail him at: madekunle@academyprep.org
