Charter, challenge schools offer other opportunities
These public elementaries may offer a range of programs, from emphasizing Greek culture to helping special needs students.

Some like discipline of fundamental schools
In 1976 the first fundamental school program opened in Pinellas.

Leaving a zoned school? Do your homework
For parents who have carefully looked at their children's zoned elementary schools and feel they want something different, a crucial question arises. What to do now?

Trust feelings when choosing a school
CLEARWATER -- When Bianca

[Times photo: Scott Keeler] Bianca Levi, 7, reads for her mom, Robin Nicholls.

Levi was going to the Temple B'nai Israel Preschool in Clearwater four years ago, it was time for her mother, Robin Nicholls, to start looking for an elementary school.

Magnets offer themed approach to learning
Arts, science, media -- all are offered at the elementary level.

Transition from magnet to zoned school was smooth
ST. PETERSBURG -- Magnet schools have enjoyed a reputation of offering accelerated learning and cutting-edge technology.

She's sold on magnets, as a mom and a teacher
ST. PETERSBURG -- Last year, the school district zoned 5-year-old Cleveland Williams Jr. to Fairmount Park Elementary School. But his parents had other ideas.

Strategy, sacrifice often part of education plan
ST. PETERSBURG -- At one point, Danette Whalen had five children in parochial school.

Wide array of choices found in private schools

Starting elementary school at home

A whole new, complex world awaits after fifth grade
More teachers, bigger campuses and classmates who are virtual strangers make the middle school years some of the toughest.

Middle school options abound for all students
Besides serving the gifted, some also help students with special hardships. And some have special themed programs, such as math.

Fundamental schools
Pinellas County has two fundamental middle schools, Southside Fundamental in St. Petersburg and Coachman Fundamental in Clearwater.

Look for teacher passion and student enjoyment
GULFPORT -- When searching for a school, ask the teachers why they do what they are doing. See if they are passionate about their work.

Magnets emphasize more than academics
Students at John Hopkins can focus on arts, communications and global studies while those at Bay Point can study science or technology.

[Times photo: James Borchuck]
Diana Blaisedale helps her daughter Starr with vocabulary work. She attends Walden Middle School, a private school in Gulfport.

Private schools are option for many
During the 1998-99 school year (the most recent numbers available), 3,868 children of middle school age opted out of the public school program to attend private school.

Home schooling presents new challenges
Last year, 554 middle school students were home-schooled.

Parents can track, assist student performance
You visited every school you could, you met with principals, talked to teachers and did a lot of tossing and turning at night before you selected a school. Now, how do you know you made the right choice?

[Times photo: James Borchuck]
The Bartashes pray during Mass at St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

Family found happiness, faith in Catholic school
ST. PETERSBURG -- Although Katie Barnash won't start high school until the fall, her search ended years ago.

Private school may suit older students, too
During the 1998-99 school year (the most recent numbers available), 3,105 students attended a private high school in Pinellas County.

'Academies' can provide career head start
Special school-within-school programs are available for high school students interested in particular career fields. "Career academies" offer students both high academic and career-specific skills essential for immediate job entry, advanced education, or technical training.

Home schooling more difficult in higher grades
Home schooling a high school student is a possible, but seldom selected, option for most parents.

Diversity played big role in their choice
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rev. Dee Graham and her three children have moved six times in the past five years -- from Manatee County in Florida to El Cerrito, Calif., to Knoxville, Tenn., to Kernersville, N.C., and finally here.

Going outside the zone? Know the rules
This year, almost 13 percent of all public high school students are enrolled in magnet programs (4,263 out of 33,150 high school students).

Azalea experience leads her on search for magnet
ST. PETERSBURG -- In Patti Baldwin's family, everyone went to Azalea Elementary, then Azalea Middle School. Both she and her two brothers had followed that path, and now her daughter is doing the same.

Life's paths may be discovered in magnet programs
Pinellas County high schools offer eight different magnet programs:

[Times photo: Scott Keeler]
Barbara and Lucy Williams, at their home in Clearwater.

Re-evaluate as child grows, gets older
ST. PETERSBURG -- Barbara Williams sent her daughter, Lucy, to private schools in elementary and middle school, with classes as small as 12 students with two teachers.

Rules are strict, clear at Seminole High
SEMINOLE -- Laura Hopkins has two sons, freshman Jonathan and sophomore Jordan, who attend their zoned school, Seminole High.