Organizers hope to attract students to the as-yet-unnamed private school with small classes and talented teachers.
By RON MATUS
Published May 30, 2003
For now, it's an empty former law office.
By August, the second floor of the generic building at 3502 Henderson Blvd. will be filled with books, desks, chairs, computers, microscopes - and students.
Say hello to South Tampa's newest private school.
The school doesn't have a name yet, but organizers say they're committed to lower class sizes and a stronger academic curriculum than can be found in other Tampa schools.
Organizer Sheri Ellis said she researched other schools to find one perfect for her two children, now enrolled at Academy of the Holy Names on Bayshore Boulevard.
"I couldn't find one where my children would be challenged across the board," said Ellis, a retired banker.
The new school will offer one class each for first through fifth grades. Each class will have 12 to 14 students, for a maximum of 70. Tuition is $8,000 a year.
The school will be Christian-based but not restricted to any particular denomination.
Its strength will be in its teachers, Ellis said. Five are in the process of signing up. Ellis declined to give names because she said some are still working at other schools.
Some parents are already lining up.
"Small class size is definitely a factor, but the teachers themselves . . . can't be matched anywhere," said Paula Rousselle, who plans to enroll her youngest child, now in first grade at Academy of the Holy Names. "I know they're good. I know they're excellent."
Creating the school has been a "grass roots venture," said Ellis, who plans to keep the books and do lab instruction.
The idea emerged two years ago and gained steam in the past three months.
Organizers have raised enough money to operate through the first year, Ellis said. She declined to disclose the names of the donors.
School begins in early August. Enrollment starts Monday.
For more information, e-mail Ellis at s@ellisfl.com or call 690-8222.
