Tampa Charter School

As a student, I used to attend another school that had gangs, bullying, and abusive teachers. THIS school was a literal live-saver. My self-esteem and grades improved DRASTICALLY. The teachers here are honest, caring, and professional. I will always recommend this school to other kids and parents that want successful kids.

This is a great school! Teachers are wonderful and are very involved. They have many interesting activities that encourage the kids to learn and make learning fun.
—Submitted by a parent

This was the perfect choice for our child for middle school! With the smaller campus and class sizes he was able to focus more on his academics and receive more individualized attention. His teachers and the staff are always willing to help out and go the extra mile for the kids. The addition of "Focus time" for the last period of the school day was a huge benefit to reducing the amount of homework that the kids brought home and gave them extra time with teachers in subject matters they needed extra help with. Though they don't offer extras like music or sports, by not paying tuition we can afford to provide these for him after school. His grades came up this year and brought home honor roll for all 4 semesters. We are very satisfied with our experience with Tampa Charter and our other children will be coming here in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had four children attend TCS, 3 of which are still attending. They have been there for 3 years. I have nothing but praise for the teachers and faculty at this school. I have a wide mix of ability levels in my children, from severe learning disabled to highly intelligent. All of their needs have been met on each level; academically, emotionally, and socially. Classes are set according to ability with mixed grade levels in each class. My children have all loved this school. The faculty is very much geared to the needs of the students. The principal and AP's knowledge of each individual amazes me - as does their grasp on IEP's and making sure that the students' needs are addressed even when they leave TCS. When writing my son's last IEP in the school they were both very cautious to make sure they covered everything he needed. I am grateful to them and the teachers that have also worked so effectively with my children.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended this school for three years. The teachers have been very attentive to her needs and have done a good job of inspiring her to push to her limits. I must comment on the accuracy of an earlier posting. TCS has only one small set of lockers, not even enough for a class, and they are located behind a teacher's desk. Extra-curricular events are limited, however we chose this school fully aware of that fact and do not consider it a negative. There are so many community opportunities for activities that we have all that we could need. The students at the school are welcoming and we have have found the parents and families of the students here to be delightful people.
—Submitted by a parent

I can see where both the good and bad reviews come in w/this school. My kids have attended the school for 1.5yrs. I am disappointed that the school only focuses on the 3R's with nothing extra (gifted classes, foreign language, art, etc.), but I do like the small class sizes & most of the teachers are very capable. The children work to their abilities, so school work is tailored to the individual more so than in other schools. I did have an incident w/bullying w/1 child &, to be completely honest, I was so upset by how the situation was handled that I have stopped helping out at the school as much as I initially did. The principle is very defensive of her teachers. If I were a teacher, I would appreciate that, but, as a parent, it is hard to swallow. As of now, my kids will still attend TCS.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school only because it was close to my work. I regret ever allowing my son to attend this school. I strongly recommend NOT bringing your child to this school because the staff completely disregard the behavior of their students. My son and I observed children speaking foul language you would perhaps hear from adults - not children. I called a meeting with the teachers to discuss my son being pushed up against lockers and called obscenities but nothing was done to ensure my childs safety.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that either currently or previously attend this school. I too am a parent with one gifted child that learning comes easy. She is now in high school and is doing very well, taking all AP and Honors classes while maintaining straight A's on her report card. I also have another child that has ADHD and a learning disability. Prior to attending this school they talked about holding him back because of his reading level. He is currently in gifted classes and is a straight A student. He also has scored very well in the state wide testing . I am so thankful for all the support and understanding that the staff has shown me and my children. I have in the past and will continue to refer my friends and family to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children here for two years. The child who found learning difficult has actually regressed. He's forgotten how to do elementary level math. Every time I helped him with his homework, I would have to sit with him and teach him his homework. He had no idea what any of the assignments meant, although, when I sit with him, and teach him, he would understand perfectly. I've decided to homeschool him this year. My gifted child graduated Tampa Charter ill-prepared for her high school career. She was terrified. She has decided to stay home and attend Florida Virtual School. I am convinced the are more concerned with issues pertaining to control than their students. I felt they wasted more time trying to get me, as a parent, in trouble, (with my husband and the law) than trying to help my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Fabulous school with wonderful teachers and caring administration! I only wish they offered High School.
—Submitted by a parent

Tampa Charter School has provided excellent educational services for my children, one who is learning disabled and one who is gifted. The teachers are very capable of working with students at both ends of the spectrum as well as regular education students. I have found the administration to be wonderful and very accommodating to the parents and students. The teachers appear to have great support and work very well as a team. I recommend this school to any parent who has a child that needs a smaller organizational structure and more personal, individualized attention. Great atmosphere and the children are safe, secure, and learning!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Tampa Charter School for the last two school years and has made significant academic improvements. He is now performing on grade level or above. It is very important to not to judge this school's quality based on student performances on standardized tests, since many of the students are have significant learning disabilities. The staff are very encouraging and use multi-sensory teaching styles. The administration and teachers know each student and frequently discuss each child's progress. The principal does support her staff, however she also takes care of issues discreetly. When it comes to the classroom behavior of students, there are some who are angry and verbally hurtful. I think this becomes more noticeable in a smaller learning environment. In my experience, the teachers deal with any issues quickly and effectively when made aware of any situations. This is the first school my son looks forward to attending.
—Submitted by a parent

I find the principal makes excuses for her teachers and they are never wrong. I'm OK with the control they have but am very concerned about what we don't see. The students have the mindset that no matter what they say the school does not care. I find that to be somewhat true. My child will not go back next year.
—Submitted by a parent