Hillsborough’s charter school enrollment tops 28,000, with more campuses on the way

Publicly funded but privately managed, charter schools have been around in Florida since 1996.

Often controversial, but undeniably growing, they were created to give families an alternative to traditional public schools, with the goal of offering a more innovative curriculum. Enrollment in charters grew to 313,586 last school year across 658 schools in 47 Florida counties. That’s a 37 percent jump from five years earlier.

Charters are multiplying quickly in Hillsborough County, and this year serve more than 28,000 students. That’s nearly 13 percent of all public school enrollment.

Here’s a look at the charters currently operating in the county, and some that might open for 2020-21:

Advantage Academy of Hillsborough

"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." Managed by Charter Schools Associates.

304 West Prosser Drive, Plant City; K-8; advantageacademyhillsborough.com; (813) 567-0801

Avant Garde Academy Westchase

"Helps students make science, technology, engineering and mathematics connections in every discipline that is studied." Managed by Alliance Educational Services.

13901 Sheldon Road, Tampa; K-7; agawestchase.org; (813) 551-2144

Bell Creek Academy

Uses the rigorous Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge. Managed by Charter School Associates.

13221 Boyette Road, Riverview; 6-8; bellcreekacademy.com; (813) 793-6075

Bell Creek Academy High School

Uses the rigorous Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge. Charter School Associates.

13221 Boyette Road, Riverview; 9-12; bellcreekacademy.com; (813) 793-6075

BridgePrep Academy of Riverview

"A nurturing and rigorous academic environment that embraces the Spanish culture and language, incorporates innovative technology, and promotes civic responsibility." Managed by S.M.A.R.T.

6309 S U.S. Highway 301, Riverview; K-8; bridgeprepriverview.com; (813) 405-1770

BridgePrep Academy of Tampa

"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. S.M.A.R.T.

2418 W Swann Ave., Tampa; K-8; batampa.bridgeprepacademy.com; (813) 258-5652

Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School

"A model collegiate school, offering a broad and rigorous, technology-rich educational program to students from diverse backgrounds."

10948 N Central Ave., Tampa; 9-12; bdchs.org; (813) 971-5600

Channelside Academy Middle School

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Uses the rigorous Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge. Charter School Associates.

1029 E Twiggs St., Tampa; 6-8; channelsideacademy.com; (813) 579-9649

Channelside Academy of Math and Science

Uses the rigorous Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge. Charter School Associates.

1029 E Twiggs St., Tampa; K-5; channelsideacademy.com; (813) 579-9649

Community Charter School of Excellence

Offers visual and graphic arts, and high school accredited math and art courses.

1251 E Fowler Ave., Suite A, Tampa; K-8; ccsetampa.org; (813) 971-5500

Creekside Charter Academy

"We use research-based programs to establish a safe and inclusive environment in which students learn healthy behaviors and skills that support engaged citizenship." Managed by Charter Schools USA.

14036 U.S. Highway 301, Riverview; K-8; creeksidecharter.org; (813) 419-5340

Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School

"The mission of Patel High School is to educate, inspire, and empower students by providing a mutually transformative educational environment that integrates 21st century knowledge and skills with personalized and innovative instruction, school/community partnerships, and a focus on social responsibility and leadership."

10721 Raulerson Ranch Road, Tampa; eventually will serve grades 9 and 10 available; patelhighschool.org

East Tampa Academy

"Our mission is to provide a high-quality, family-centered education to young children in East Tampa that results in age-appropriate social, emotional and academic success."

4309 N 34th St., Tampa; K-2; tampalearns.org; (813) 816-2100

Excelsior Prep Charter School

"Our students will reach high standards of achievement in the traditional elementary school subject matters, and also become literate in speaking, reading and writing in the Spanish language by the completion of fifth grade." Managed by School Development Services.

2156 University Square Mall, Unit 260, Tampa; excelsiorpreptampa.com; K-5; (813) 644-9060

Florida Autism Center of Excellence

"The center's innovative collaboration with the public school district is bringing new choices for families of children with autism spectrum disorders."

6310 E Sligh Ave., Tampa; PreK-12; faceprogram.org; (813) 985-3223

Florida Connections Academy

"A tuition-free public online school that gives students the flexibility to learn at home. FCA serves students in grades K–8 and will add one grade per year, ultimately serving students in grades K–12." Managed by Connections Education of Florida

5805 Breckenridge Parkway, Suites E and F, Tampa; connectionsacademy.com K-12; (813) 291-0550

Focus Academy

Serves students with a range of disabilities, ages 14 through 22. "Life skills and 'next steps' are highlighted throughout the high school curriculum, complementing the transition program for students that have graduated."

304 Druid Hills Road, Temple Terrace; 9-12; focusacademytampa.org; (813) 443-5558

Henderson Hammock Charter School

Run by Charter Schools USA, which describes its model as providing "the process for improving student learning and academic achievement."

10322 Henderson Road, Tampa; hendersoncharter.org; K-8; (813) 739-6633

Hillsborough Academy of Math & Science

Uses the rigorous Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge. Charter School Associates.

9659 W Waters Ave., Tampa, K-8; hillsboroughacademy.com; (813) 793-6085

Horizon Charter School of Tampa

"A high-quality education in a safe environment."

7235 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; K-8; horizoncharter.org; (813) 887-3800

Independence Academy

"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." Charter School Associates.

12902 E U.S. Highway 92, Dover; K-8; iacademies.com; (813) 473-8600

Kid's Community College Charter School Southeast

11519 McMullen Road, Riverview; K-5; (813) 699-4600

Kid's Community College Riverview South

10030 Mathog Road, Riverview; K-8; (813) 671-1440

Kid's Community College Charter High School

10550 Johanna Ave., Riverview; 9-12; (813) 699-5751

Kid's Community College Southeast Middle Charter School

11513 McMullen Road, Riverview; 6-8; (813) 699-5752

Website for Kid's Community schools: mykidscc.org

Kid’s Community Theme: “All students will be given every possible opportunity to develop their individual intellectual curiosity, physical well-being, moral values, self-esteem, artistic appreciation and expression, interpersonal skills and academic abilities.”

Learning Gate Community School

"Our learning environment is not limited to a four-walled classroom but uses the natural world to enhance and expand the positive experiences our students are exposed to."

16215 Hanna Road, Lutz; K-8; learninggate.org; (813) 948-4190

Legacy Preparatory Academy

"Our goal at Legacy Prep is to develop the whole child. We provide a varied educational curriculum that includes meeting" state standards.

302 E Linebaugh Ave., Tampa; K-8; legacyprepacademy.org; (813) 253-0053

Literacy Leadership Technology Academy

The school has five programs — ESE, gifted, intensive, general and advanced. “We recognize our students come to us at different levels of learning and with different needs. In order to meet those needs, students are scheduled into specific classes and curriculums.”

6771 Madison Ave., Tampa; K-8; lltacademy.com; (813) 234-0940

Lutz Preparatory School

"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

Navigator Academy of Leadership Valrico

“The mission of Navigator Academy of Leadership K-8 is to enable students to be independent learners and leaders by developing each child’s intellectual curiosity and thirst for discovery through a cross-curricular integration of Science, Math, Art, Reading and Technology.”

1101 E Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico; navigatoracademyvalrico.com; (813) 603-9340

New Springs Schools

"Special emphasis on mathematics, science and reading, utilizing state-of-the-art curricula such as Connected Mathematics Project, College Preparatory Mathematics, Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching, and Academy of Reading."

2410 E Busch Blvd., Tampa; K-8; newspringsschools.org; (813) 933-5025

Pepin Academies

Serves students learning disabilities. "We educate students in third through 12th grade, and also offer a transitional, job training program for students 18 to 22 years old. ... Our goal is to make sure no child falls through the cracks."

9304 Camden Field Parkway, Riverview; 3-12; (813) 533-2999

3916 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; 3-12; (813) 236-1755

Pepin website: pepinacademies.com

Pivot Charter School

"Each student receives an educational program to meet their individual needs and styles of learning. We enable students to successfully complete their requirements, graduate on-time, and move into the next stages of either career or college life."

3020 S Falkenburg Road, Riverview; 6-12; pivottampa.com; (813) 626-6724

Plato Academy Tampa Charter School

"An environment in which students can learn and teachers can teach. The academic focus is on reading, math and Greek as a second language. All students also receive instruction in science, physical education, the humanities, music, drama, and art" using the Socratic method.

4903 Ehrlich Road, Tampa; K-8; platoacademy.net; (813) 437-2867

RCMA Leadership Academy

18236 U.S. Highway 301 S, Wimauma; 6-8; charterschools.rcma.org; (813) 672-5159

RCMA Wimauma Academy

18240 U.S. Highway 301 S, Wimauma; K-5; charterschools.rcma.org; (813) 672-5159

RCMA Theme: “Redlands Christian Migrant Association opens doors to opportunities through quality child care and education from crib to high school and beyond.”

Riverview Academy of Math and Science

“Riverview Academy of Math and Science recognizes that all children are unique; that each learns in a different style and at a different pace. We strive to meet the individual needs of every student through a variety of programs and differentiated instructional techniques designed to prepare the child for success.” Charter School Associates.

9906 Symmes Road, Riverview; (813) 412-6111

Seminole Heights Charter High

"An accredited tuition-free public high school serving students ages 16 to 21 who prefer a non-traditional learning environment with flexible scheduling options." Managed by Accelerated Learning Solutions.

4006 N Florida Ave., Tampa; 9-12; seminoleheightshs.com; (813) 234-0809

SouthShore Charter Academy

Run by Charter Schools USA, which describes its model as providing "the process for improving student learning and academic achievement."

11667 Big Bend Road, Riverview; K-8; southshorecharter.org; (813) 769-1209

Sports Leadership and Management Academy (SLAM) Tampa

"An innovative and in-depth secondary educational program that produces college-bound students through emphasis on sports-related majors and post-secondary preparation." Managed by Academica.

7116 Gunn Highway, Tampa; 6-12; slamtampa.com; (813) 920-8802

5150 N U.S. Hwy 41, Apollo Beach; slamapollo.com; (813) 773-4560

Sunlake Academy of Math and Science

"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." Charter School Associates.

18681 N Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz; K-8; sunlakeacademy.org; (813) 616-5099

Terrace Community Middle School

"A technologically advanced back-to-basics public charter school that includes a spectrum of academic programs ... to fulfill the demands of a diverse student population."

11734 Jefferson Road, Thonotosassa; 6-8; tcmstornadoes.com; (813) 987-6555

The Collaboratory Preparatory Academy

"Collaboratory Prep is committed to content driven teaching. We know that if you are teaching content and how to think critically while exploring this content, test scores will reflect learning."

6406 E Chelsea St., Tampa; K-8; collaboratoryprep.org; (844) 702-3123

Trinity School for Children

"We concentrate on teaching the whole child - intellectually, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially."

2402 W Osborne Ave., Tampa; K-4; trinitysfc.org; (813) 874-2402

Valrico Lake Advantage Academy

Uses the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) method of study offered through the University of Cambridge. Charter School Associates.

13306 Boyette Road, Riverview; K-5; valricoacademy.com; (813) 699-5049

Village of Excellence Academy

"A school of technology preparing students to compete in a global community, having a local imprint with an international impact."

8718 N 46th St., Temple Terrace; K-5; villageofexcellence.com; (813) 988-8632

Village of Excellence Middle School

"We are a school of technology; we understand the role that technology plays in the lives of our students. Therefore, we embrace this standard from the way we operate as a school to the way our teachers and families interact."

4600 E Busch Blvd., Tampa; 6-8; villageofexcellence.com; (813) 374-9422

Walton Academy for the Performing Arts

"Maintaining a strong basis for reading proficiency and other academics, the academy will provide an enrichment program for the development of the performing arts in dance, music and theater."

4817 N Florida Ave., Tampa; K-5; waltonacademy.org; (813) 231-9272

Waterset Charter School

Run by Charter Schools USA, which describes its model as providing "the process for improving student learning and academic achievement."

6540 Knowledge Lane, Apollo Beach; K-8; watersetcharter.org; (813) 602-0622

West University Charter High School

"An accredited tuition-free public high school serving students ages 16 to 21 who prefer a non-traditional learning environment with flexible scheduling options." Accelerated Learning Solutions.

11602 N 15th St., Tampa; 9-12; westuniversityhs.com; (813) 774-4396

Winthrop Charter School

Run by Charter Schools USA, which describes its model as providing "the process for improving student learning and academic achievement."

6204 Scholars Hill Lane, Riverview; K-8; winthropcharter.org; (813) 235-4811

Woodmont Charter School

Run by Charter Schools USA, which describes its model as providing "the process for improving student learning and academic achievement."

10402 N 56th St., Temple Terrace; K-8; woodmontcharter.org; (813) 708-1596

______

These schools are approved for 2020-21. Opening dates are not yet certain.

• Literacy Leadership Technology Academy, South Bay, K-8

• NorthStar Academy of Hillsborough County East, 6-12

• Northstar Academy of Hillsborough County West, 6-12

• Big Bend Academy of Math and Science, K-8

• BridgePrep Academy of Advanced Studies of Hillsborough 9-12

• ICan Charter Academy, K-8

• SLAM Academy Tampa Elementary, K-5