News Summary
Apogee St. Pete, a new private school, is set to open this August in St. Petersburg, aiming to provide a tailored education for children aged 5 to 10. Founded by Nick and Karlia Tarsi, the school emphasizes learner-led experiences and project-based learning. With an initial enrollment goal of 20 students and plans to accept financial assistance through scholarships, Apogee St. Pete is committed to fostering a supportive and innovative educational environment for young learners.
Exciting News for St. Petersburg: A New School is on the Horizon!
St. Petersburg is gearing up for an exciting educational adventure this coming August, as a new private school, Apogee St. Pete, is set to open its doors! Nestled in the First Avenue Baptist Church building at 600 49th Street N, this innovative school will cater to bright young minds aged 5 to 10. But don’t let the cozy age range fool you; there’s a lot more than meets the eye with this new establishment!
The Tarsis Take on Education
Meet the dynamic duo behind this promising venture: Nick and Karlia Tarsi. Although they currently have no children of their own, the Tarsis felt a strong pull to create a better educational experience for families in the community. Their passion for education stems from Nick’s background in cybersecurity and startup technology. Fueled by a desire to enhance educational quality, they embarked on a path to transform how young learners discover their interests.
What’s in Store for Students?
At the heart of Apogee St. Pete’s curriculum is a refreshing focus on learner-led experiences and project-based learning. This innovative approach allows students to explore their passions, whether it’s the ocean, dinosaurs, or superheroes, all while mastering essential subjects such as arithmetic, reading, and writing. Instead of being confined by standard tests, the school aims to create an engaging and customized curriculum that keeps students excited about learning.
Finding Career Paths Early
One of the school’s remarkable goals is to help students discover potential career paths between the ages of 10 and 20. This way, children can explore different interests and skills early on, preparing them for future educational and professional opportunities. With a curriculum geared towards the demands of a tech-driven and AI-driven world, Apogee St. Pete is dedicated to ensuring its students are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey
The journey of opening a new school is no small feat. The Tarsis not only recognize the challenges that lie ahead, but they also celebrate the importance of their mission. They’ve set an initial enrollment goal of 20 students for the first year and have plans for gradual growth. They’ve already ventured out to another Apogee school in Utah to gather insights and best practices for their own venture, demonstrating their commitment to providing the best possible experience for their future students.
Tuition and Financial Assistance
For those concerned about the costs, tuition at Apogee St. Pete is set at $11,500 per student. However, there’s good news! Thanks to Florida’s school choice program, families could potentially receive up to $8,000 per child through the Florida Empowerment Scholarship program. The school is currently finalizing its ability to accept these scholarships, making it easier for families to manage tuition costs while obtaining a top-notch education for their children.
A Community Connection
As the school gears up for its grand opening, the Tarsis have begun engaging with interested families and envisioning a loving community where children can thrive and explore their interests in a supportive environment. By placing an emphasis on personalized learning experiences, Apogee St. Pete is taking a bold step into the future of education.
Get Ready, St. Pete!
Buckle up, St. Petersburg! Apogee St. Pete is ready to redefine education for our youngest learners. With their unique approach and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, this new school promises to be a beacon of hope and innovation for families in the area. So, mark your calendars for August and get ready to embark on an exhilarating educational journey!
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Local Couple to Launch Private School
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- St. Pete Catalyst: Apogee vs. Traditional Schooling
- Google Search: Private Schools in Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst: What is Project-Based Learning?
