Choice is booming across Hillsborough County, where seven new charter schools open in August — the largest number to crop up locally in an academic year, according to a school district official.
"I think it helps raise the bar a little," said Jenna Hodgens, the district's charter schools supervisor.
The county's roster now counts 36 charter schools, which are free public schools that receive funding from the school district. Charter schools are independently operated and often offer specialized curriculums, but they still need to adhere to district standards.
Pinellas County also has a record number of charter schools debuting this fall, the St. Petersburg Times reported this month.
For families, more charter schools translate into more academic options. But for other Hillsborough County schools, the additions mean a push to keep "everyone working their best so they can keep kids at their school," Hodgens said.
Schools receive money based on enrollment, she said, so losing students to charter schools could force other public schools to maintain operations with less money.
Hodgens says applications to create charter schools are increasing every year. The School Board approved seven of about 30 applications submitted last year, and five of about 20 applications the year before, Hodgens said.
Applications for new charter schools for the 2012-2013 school year are due Aug. 1.
Stephanie Wang can be reached at swang@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2443.
Charter schools opening this fall
Channelside Academy of Math and Science
1029 E Twiggs St., Tampa
Principal: Mary DeNicola, former principal of Athenian Academy of Pasco
Emphasis: Math and science curriculum enhanced by technology and aided by partnerships with organizations to promote studies in environmental science.
Grades: K-5
Estimated enrollment: 350
Call (813) 579-9649 or visit channelsideacademy.com.
Community Charter Middle School of Excellence
10948 Central Ave., Forest Hills
Principal: Charles Malatesta, also head of the Community Charter School of Excellence elementary program
Emphasis: Visual and graphic arts with daily health and PE classes to expand existing K-5 school
Grades: 6-8
Estimated enrollment: 100
Call (813) 931-5100 or visit the website leonagroup.com/excellencetampa. (include the period)
Lutz Preparatory School
17951 U.S. 41, Lutz
Principal: Jessica Clements, former math and engineering teacher and magnet coordinator at Jamerson Elementary in St. Petersburg. Worked for Pinellas County schools since 2003.
Emphasis: Tests kids into levels to offer individualized instruction through a theme-based exploration curriculum.
Grades: K-5
Estimated enrollment: 224
Call (813) 618-1142 or visit
lutzprep.org.
New Springs Elementary School
2410 E Busch Blvd., Sulphur Springs
Principal: Emre Akbaba, also head of New Springs Middle School
Emphasis: Math and science, adding to an existing program for grades 6-8
Grades: K-5
Estimated enrollment: 170
Call (813) 933-5025 or go to
newspringsschools.org.
Pivot Charter School
3020 Falkenburg Road, Riverview
Principal: Carmela David, former middle school principal in Illinois
Emphasis: Uses curriculums from Advanced Academics Inc. to craft individual learning plans with morning or evening classroom sessions supplemented by online college preparation.
Grades: 6-12
Estimated enrollment: 200
Call (813) 622-7479 or visit
pivotcharterschool.com.
Winthrop Charter School
6204 Scholars Hill Lane, Riverview
Principal: Terry Johnson, former assistant principal at Charter Schools USA's Six Mile Charter Academy in Fort Myers
Emphasis: Tracks students' progress and provides small groups for different learning paces through the Charter Schools USA model.
Grades: K-8
Estimated enrollment: 710
Call (813) 235-4811 or visit
winthropcharter.org.
Woodmont Charter School
10402 N 56th St., Temple Terrace
Principal: Kathy Stow, former acting administrator of Sebastian River High School in Sebastian, Fla.
Emphasis: Tracks students' progress and provides small groups for different learning paces through the Charter Schools USA model.
Grades: K-8
Estimated enrollment: 641
Call (813) 708-1596 or visit
woodmontcharter.org.
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