Middle Schools list

By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 15, 2002

The schools in this list serve sixth through eighth grades unless otherwise noted. The "attractors" for each school are reprinted from attractor statements on the schools' brochures.

Discovery nights and school tours are listed at the end of each school's description. Schools began holding discovery nights in August, so many of them are past. Please call the school to confirm dates and times before you go.

The telephone area code is 727 unless otherwise noted.

Azalea Middle

7855 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 893-2606

Web site: azaleamiddle.org

ATTRACTORS: Azalea Middle School will integrate themes of health/wellness and environmental studies into the middle school curriculum. Students will follow a three-year plan that will begin with a focus on personal health and community environmental issues and expand to an exploration of careers in health/wellness services and global environmental issues.

CONTACT PERSON: Barbara Powell

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area A

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 975

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: B

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 21

SCHOOL TOURS: 2:15-3:15 p.m. Sept. 19; Oct. 10, 24; Nov. 7, 21; Dec. 5

Bay Point Middle Center for Advancement of the Sciences and Technologies

2151 62nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 893-1153

ATTRACTORS: Bay Point Middle School offers a standard middle school program based on middle school research noted in Turning Points and the Carnegie Commission report of the early 90s. Bay Point Middle also offers a math, science and technology magnet program with a mandatory foreign language component.

CONTACT PERSON: Linda Evers

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Magnet and choice school, Attendance Area A

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 720

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

SCHOOL TOURS: Mondays and Wednesdays through Oct. 9 and Nov. 11, Nov. 13. Call for times.

Carwise Middle

3301 Bentley Dr., Palm Harbor, 724-1442

Web site: www.angelfire.com/fl5/carwise

ATTRACTORS: The concept of Carwise Middle School is based on the principles of quality and Classroom Learning Systems for teaching and the concepts of student empowerment to develop self-directed students for learning. We also identify technology and the arts as important components of preparing students for the future. MEGSSS (gifted math) and IMAST (gifted science) will be added to the curriculum during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 school years.

CONTACT PERSON: John M. Leanes

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,530

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 23

SCHOOL TOURS: 11 a.m.-noon Sept. 18; Oct. 2, 16; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 4

Clearwater Intermediate

1220 Palmetto St., Clearwater, 298-1616

CONTACT: Freddie Robinson

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Dropout prevention

GRADES SERVED: 5-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 432

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: Not applicable

Coachman Fundamental

2235 NE Coachman Road, Clearwater, 669-1190

Web site: www.coachman-ms.pinellas.k12. fl.us

ATTRACTORS: A family-oriented school whose structured environment, updated back-to-basics approach and joint parent-teacher commitment provides quality education for students in a safe environment. Important features include a focus on student self-responsibility and discipline, daily homework, a dress code which exceeds the school district's and required parent attendance at conferences and monthly parent meetings.

CONTACT PERSON: Dawn Coffin

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Fundamental

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 8:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 600

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 10

SCHOOL TOURS: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 9. Call for appointment.

Dunedin Highland Middle

896 Union St., Dunedin, 469-4112

ATTRACTORS: Dunedin Highland Middle School offers a back-to-basics fundamental-type program for parents who want a structured learning environment that emphasizes student responsibility and increased parental involvement. This is a long-standing program with proven success. Additionally, Dunedin Middle offers a performing and visual arts program that is supported by local businesses and community leaders. This program includes the 45-year-old Highlander Band and the Bonnie Lads and Lassies singing group.

CONTACT PERSON: Peggy Landers

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,173

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: B

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 28

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 25; Oct. 9, 23; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 11

John F. Kennedy Middle

1660 Palmetto St., Clearwater, 298-1609

ATTRACTORS: John F. Kennedy Middle School Journey for Knowledge, Maturity and Success (JFKMS) is a full-service school with an emphasis on community partnerships and family involvement. JFK is a Creating Independence through Student-owned Strategies (CRISS) training site dedicated to highest student achievement for all students. Academic programs include Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students (MEGSSS), Integrated Mathematics and Science Technology (IMAST) and Read 180. Before- and after-school programs are available through the YMCA. JFK utilizes technology at all grade levels, preparing students for an exciting and promising future.

CONTACT PERSON: Doc Allen

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,245

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 29

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 17; Oct. 8, 24; Nov. 12, 21; Dec. 3

John Hopkins Middle Center for the Arts and Communication Studies

701 16th St. S, St. Petersburg, 893-2400

Web site: www.hopkins-ms.pinellas.k12.fl. us

ATTRACTORS: John Hopkins is a schoolwide magnet for arts and communications studies.

CONTACT PERSON: Edward Baldwin

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Magnet and choice school, Attendance Area A

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,490

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: B

SCHOOL TOURS: Wednesdays through Oct. 9. Call for appointment.

Largo Middle

155 Eighth Ave. SE, Largo, 588-4600

ATTRACTORS: The emphasis of the Families Achieve Success Together-Teachers Reach and Challenge Kids program is on a core curriculum in math, science, language arts, social studies and reading. The focus is on goal-setting, self-discipline, personal responsibility, time management and a commitment to quality academic performance. Students are expected to follow strict rules of conduct that allow no tolerance for students' disruption of learning. Parents and guardians are encouraged to actively participate in the academic progress of their children. The mission of the Largo Middle School FAST-TRACK program is to provide a safe learning environment in which expectations are clearly defined, a strong commitment to academics is demonstrated and personal responsibility is exercised.

CONTACT PERSON: William B. Cooper

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area B

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,595

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 21

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 16; Oct. 7, 8; Nov. 6, 7; Dec. 2

Lealman Intermediate School

4100 35th St. N, St. Petersburg, 570-5155

CONTACT PERSON: Glenn M. Bailey

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Dropout prevention

GRADES SERVED: 5-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 450

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: Not applicable

Madeira Beach Middle

591 Madeira Beach Causeway, Madeira Beach, 547-7697

Web site: www.mb-ms.pinellas.k12.fl.us

ATTRACTORS: Madeira Beach Middle School, a unique educational setting directly on Boca Ciega Bay, inspired a marine environmental theme. The curriculum includes hands-on classroom instruction and field experiences in the marine habitat that surrounds the school. A marine boardwalk, dock and lagoon provide an outdoor living classroom.

CONTACT PERSON: Brenda Poff

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area B

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,297

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8 p.m. Oct. 24

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 18; Oct. 9, 23; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 11

Meadowlawn Middle

5900 16th St. N, St. Petersburg, 570-3097

ATTRACTORS: Meadowlawn Middle School, in its new building, emphasizes traditional subjects while using special resources to target math, language arts, technology, fine arts and wellness curriculums. We share additional facilities and resources with Northeast High School and John Sexton Elementary. Meadowlawn is committed to serving our diverse population and ensuring learning at the highest level for all.

CONTACT PERSON: Elaine Hill

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area A

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,205

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: C

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 24

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 20; Oct. 11, 25; Nov. 8, 15; Dec. 6

Morgan Fitzgerald Middle

6410 118th Ave. N, Largo, 547-4526

ATTRACTORS: Fitzgerald Middle School provides small learning communities that promote literacy for lifelong learners. These communities are made up of academic teams, divided into grade-level houses, each with their own administrator, guidance counselor and office secretary. With literacy for all as the common goal, our accessible, caring staff works cooperatively to meet the needs of our diverse student population. The mission of Fitzgerald Middle School focuses on continuing to challenge students so that they will become lifelong learners in an ever-changing society.

CONTACT PERSON: Linda Tucker

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area B

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,250

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: B

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 23

SCHOOL TOURS: 2:15-3:15 p.m. Sept. 18, Nov. 7, Dec. 11; 10-11 a.m. Oct. 10, 30 and Nov. 21

Oak Grove Middle

1370 S Belcher Road, Clearwater, 524-4430

ATTRACTORS: With a 40-year tradition of community and parental involvement, Oak Grove Middle School promotes high academic achievement. A strong emphasis on academic excellence is evident with advanced-level course offerings and flexible scheduling. Oak Grove is widely known for its award-winning music program, award-winning WOAK-TV student television program and use of technology. Oak Grove's highly qualified and conscientious staff members use the best teaching strategies to provide a school where motivated students want to come to learn.

CONTACT PERSON: Patricia C. Bell

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,300

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 22

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 19, Oct. 30, Nov. 21; 2-3 p.m. Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10

Osceola Middle

9301 98th St. N, Largo, 547-7689

Web site: www:schools.pinellas.k12.fl.us/ schools/osceola-ms/

ATTRACTORS: Osceola Middle School has been developing a proven, high-results, school-within-a-school program that fosters high student expectations and a high level of family involvement to meet the needs of both students and families. The school is also investigating the possibility of alternative scheduling to allow more elective or academic opportunities for students. Essential skills such as reading, writing and problem-solving are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

CONTACT PERSON: Robert Vicari

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area B

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 8:40 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,300

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8 p.m. Oct. 22

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 17; Oct. 8, 16; Nov. 6, 19; Dec. 10

Palm Harbor Middle

1800 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 669-1146

ATTRACTORS: Getting our children ready for the future is what it is all about at Palm Harbor Middle School. We combine our intense focus on math, science and technology and our commitment to building a firm foundation for the career and vocational paths our children choose to form an environment of excellence and innovation.

CONTACT PERSON: Pegoty J. Lopez

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,475

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 24

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9

Pinellas Park Middle

6940 70th Ave. N, Pinellas Park, 545-6400

ATTRACTORS: Pinellas Park Middle School is a positive and exciting place to be. Through the efforts of dedicated staff members and a supportive school community, students are given the chance to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment.

CONTACT PERSON: Valerie Brimm

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area B

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,500

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: C

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30

SCHOOL TOURS: 2:15-3:15 p.m. Sept. 17, Nov. 12; 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 16, Dec. 3; 2-4 p.m. Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10; 9-11 a.m. Nov. 21

Riviera Middle

501 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 570-5150

ATTRACTORS: Riviera Middle School offers a comprehensive educational opportunity that includes a fundamental-type strand, advanced academic classes at all levels, and an acclaimed band program. Our school prides itself on having a nurturing family atmosphere that emphasizes safe learning and a multitude of after-school activities including sports and clubs. We have a strong business partnership with Catalina Marketing that supports our growing technology program.

CONTACT PERSON: Albert Bennett

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area A

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,200

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: B

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 23

SCHOOL TOURS: 11 a.m.-noon Sept. 18, Nov. 6; 10-11 a.m. Oct. 30, Dec. 11; 2-3 p.m. Oct. 9, Nov. 20

Safety Harbor Middle

125 Seventh St. N, Safety Harbor, 724-1400

Web site: www.sh-ms.pinellas.k12.fl.us/

ATTRACTORS: Safety Harbor Middle School offers traditional middle school programs emphasizing academics and technology and specialized programs such as MEGSSS (gifted math), IMAST (gifted science/technology), a variety of exceptional student education programs and an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. We offer a variety of extracurricular activities such as Drama Club, Chess Club, Computer Club, News Can, National Junior Honor Society, indoor soccer and interscholastic sports. We benefit from an involved community.

CONTACT PERSON: Sally Barker

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,398

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 30

SCHOOL TOURS: 9:45-10:30 a.m. Sept. 20, Oct. 8, Nov. 13, Dec. 4; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 14, Nov. 7

Seminole Middle

8701 131st St. N, Seminole, 547-4520

ATTRACTORS: Seminole Middle School is committed to providing opportunities for students to excel in academics, the arts and athletics with special emphases on Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students (MEGSSS), Integrated Mathematics and Science Technology (IMAST), vocal and instrumental music, and French. The parents, students, community members, business partners and faculty of Seminole Middle all work together to produce a variety of opportunities for students to showcase talents and abilities.

CONTACT PERSON: Judy LeBoeuf

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area B

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,265

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8 p.m. Oct. 29

SCHOOL TOURS: 9:45-10:30 a.m. Sept. 24, Oct. 15, 22, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3

Southside Fundamental

1701 10th St. S, St. Petersburg, 893-2742

Web site: www.southside-ms.pinellas.k12.fl. us

ATTRACTORS: A family-oriented school with a structured environment, updated back-to-basics approach and joint parent-teacher commitment provides quality education for students in a safe environment. Important features include a focus on student self-responsibility and discipline, daily homework, a dress code which exceeds the school district's, and required parent attendance at conferences and monthly parent meetings.

CONTACT PERSON: Pat Wright

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Fundamental

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 7:45 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 650

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 3

SCHOOL TOURS: 9 a.m. Thursdays through Oct. 10. Call for appointment.

Tarpon Springs Middle

501 N Florida Ave., Tarpon Springs, 943-5511

ATTRACTORS: With a focus on optimizing the learning environment, Tarpon Springs Middle School combines an inviting school environment with sound educational programming in meeting the needs of its students. Quality learning is a continual process that flows throughout all teaching and learning activity over time.

CONTACT PERSON: Keith A. Davis

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area C

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: Information not provided.

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: A

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 21

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-10:30 a.m. Sept. 19, Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 12; 3-3:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Nov. 21

Thurgood Marshall Middle

2130 40th St. S, St. Petersburg

This is one of three new schools being built as part of the court settlement between the school district and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The School Board voted to make it an Attendance Area A fundamental school when it opens in September 2003. The school expects to have a capacity of 1,006.

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at John Hopkins Middle School

SCHOOL TOURS: No tours are scheduled because the school is still under construction. Principal Joan Minnis can be reached for information at 469-5716 through mid December.

Tyrone Middle

6421 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 893-1819

Web site: www.tyrone-ms.pinellas.k12.fl.us

ATTRACTORS: Tyrone Middle School's faculty and staff work together to nurture students in a safe school environment that fosters highest academic achievement. We work hand in hand with elementary and high schools to integrate our curriculums and encourage lifelong learning skills. Our local business partnerships help students prepare for high school course choices and future careers. Our staff uses technology to enhance instruction, and the state academic requirements are woven into each academic curriculum.

CONTACT PERSON: Marshall L. Brown

TYPE OF SCHOOL: Choice school, Attendance Area A

GRADES SERVED: 6-8

HOURS: 9:40 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,198

2002 FLORIDA STATE LETTER GRADE: B

DISCOVERY NIGHT: 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 22

SCHOOL TOURS: 10-11 a.m. Oct. 8, Nov. 6, Dec. 12; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Oct. 29