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DONNA WINCHESTERFour elementary schools and one collegiate high school offer innovative programs.
OVERVIEW: Charter schools are public schools operating under a contractual agreement with the local school board and run by nonprofit organizations. As part of the state's program of public education, charter schools offer innovative programs consistent with educational goals established by Florida law. They are free for students to attend. Teachers work for the school rather than the school district. Pinellas County has five charter schools, four for elementary students and one for high school students.
THE SCHOOLS: Academie Da Vinci, 1380 Pinehurst Road in Dunedin, opened in August 1997. It serves children in grades 1-5 and concentrates on fine and performing arts. Athenian Academy, 2817 St. Mark Drive in Dunedin, offers a Greek culture and language immersion program to children in kindergarten through Grade 5. Pinellas Preparatory Academy, 403 First Ave. SW in Largo, is a school for creative students in Grades 4-8 with leadership potential. Plato Academy, 409 Old Coachman Road in Clearwater, uses the Socratic method of teaching children in Grades K-2 and emphasizes discussion and dialogue to develop critical thinkers. Greek is taught as a second language in all grade levels.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, on the Gibbs campus of St. Petersburg College at 6605 Fifth Ave. N in St. Petersburg, is operated by St. Petersburg College and sponsored by the Pinellas County School Board for serious students in grades 10-12. The three-year curriculum allows them simultaneously to complete the requirements for a high school diploma and an associate's degree.
TO APPLY: Charter schools are considered neither choice attendance area schools nor countywide schools. Parents interested in applying should get in touch directly with the schools.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/infosvcs/schooldir.html Scroll down and click on charter schools.