News Summary
Apogee St. Pete, a new private school for children aged 5 to 10, is set to open in St. Petersburg this August. Founded by Nick and Karlia Tarsi, the school focuses on innovative, project-based learning, aiming to nurture children’s curiosity in a personalized environment. With an affordable tuition of $11,500 and potential scholarships for families, Apogee St. Pete aims to bridge the gap in traditional education and provide a hands-on learning experience tailored for today’s tech-driven world.
Exciting New Private School Opens in St. Petersburg!
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as a dynamic couple, Nick and Karlia Tarsi, are gearing up to launch Apogee St. Pete, a brand-new private school dedicated to children aged 5 to 10. Set to open its doors this August, the school is based in the charming First Avenue Baptist Church building located at 600 49th Street N.
An Innovative Educational Approach
Apogee St. Pete is not just any school; it’s part of the growing Apogee Schools network known for its innovative approach to education. This network emphasizes learner-led experiences and project-based learning, giving children the freedom to explore their interests and dive deeper into subjects that captivate their minds. It’s all about learning through doing, which sounds like a refreshing change from traditional education!
The Tarsis couple has a big vision for their school. They aim to enroll 20 students in their first year, choosing a small and manageable growth model that allows for a personalized touch. This way, teachers can really connect with each child and help them figure out what sparks their curiosity.
Bridging the Gap in Education
Nick Tarsi brings a unique background to the school. With a degree in cyber security and experience with startup tech companies, he knows firsthand how the traditional education system sometimes fails to prepare students for the real world. He believes that waiting until later in life to discover interests is a poor approach, especially when kids have so much potential to explore new ideas between the ages of 10 and 20.
Apogee St. Pete is designed to instill practical skills to navigate a world increasingly influenced by technology and artificial intelligence. The goal is to build a customized curriculum that goes beyond just cramming for standardized tests. Instead, the focus is on creating engaging, meaningful experiences that set students up for success in adult life.
Affordable Tuition with Scholarships
Parents might be wondering about the cost involved. Tuition for Apogee St. Pete is listed at $11,500 per student, but there is good news! The school may offer reductions for those who qualify for state scholarships. Families can benefit from the Florida Empowerment Scholarship program, which provides up to $8,000 per child, making this innovative education more accessible to many local families.
The school is currently in the final stages of accepting Florida school choice scholarships, a move that opens up doors for many families looking for alternatives to traditional schooling.
A Thriving Vision for St. Petersburg’s Future
In preparation for this exciting launch, the Tarsises are busy visiting other Apogee schools, including one in Utah, to learn how they successfully operate. With their whole hearts in this project, they are actively recruiting students and hiring educational professionals who share their vision for a brighter future in education.
Although starting a school is no walk in the park, the Tarsises are enthusiastic about bringing their dream to life in the St. Petersburg community. The entire affair is daunting but rewarding; their ambition to create a nurturing and interactive learning environment is sure to capture the hearts of many families in the area.
Get Ready, St. Petersburg!
As the summer approaches and the launch date inches closer, the community is abuzz with anticipation for Apogee St. Pete. It’s more than just a school; it’s an opportunity for children to embark on a journey of self-discovery and lifelong learning, setting them up for future success in a tech-savvy world. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition to St. Petersburg!
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Local couple to launch private school in St. Pete
- Wikipedia: Private school
- St. Pete Catalyst: School learns from experts
- Google Search: Education Innovation
- St. Pete Catalyst: Apogee St. Pete Interview
- Google Scholar: Project-based learning
- St. Pete Catalyst: Florida Empowerment Scholarship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School choice
