“Thanks to the support provided in the past year – the Academy by the Sea is a big step closer to becoming a reality,” said spokesperson Wendy Savage. “Organizers feel very hopeful that they will have a public school for south Gulf Beaches children by fall of 2014.”
From October 29 through November 11, the Hoyt family matched any monetary pledge to Academy by the Sea in memory of Kathy and Tony Loeser up to a total of $25,000. This challenge allowed those who pledge to double the impact of their pledge to a public charter school for the south Gulf Beaches community!
An all-volunteer force of educators, parents and community members won approval to bring a public charter school to the south Gulf Beach communities for the 2014-15 school year. On November 12, the Pinellas County School Board unanimously voted to approve Academy by the Sea, which will be located in St. Pete Beach.
Academy by the Sea will serve 176 students in grades four through eight and will offer a Montessori-based education incorporating rigorous academic expectations. Admission will be by lottery and is open to all students, with or without a Montessori background. Montessori stresses concepts of independence, acceptance and collaboration that prepare students to become leaders in the global community. The instruction will also comply with all State of Florida educational requirements.
Academy by the Sea has garnered broad-based community support. Last February, the St. Pete Beach City Commission passed a resolution in support of the proposed school, citing the City’s history of providing public education to children and the benefit of a school to the local area. The school also received numerous pledges of money, supplies and services from local families and businesses, needed to implement the opening. While many charter schools are large corporations, Academy by the Sea is a true community effort. The school looks forward to partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide further resources for its students. The school thanks all volunteers, donors and community leaders for their commitment to a school in the beaches community.
Although their application is approved, there are still a number of hurdles to be overcome before the school can open. Foremost is securing a location, (rumor has it the Church behind the post office is a top prospect); next, ensuring that sufficient funding is available for rent, salaries and all first year operating expenses; and then getting the actual charter for the school.
Please contact Wendy Savage with any questions, 813-928-4070 / academybythesea@aol.com. www.academybythesea.com
Story by by Peter A. Roos