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Hillsborough County Offers Array Of Charter Schools

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By MARILYN BROWN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

Charter schools are paid for with public tax money but operated by private individuals, organizations or other public entities. They're free from government regulations other than those involving testing, health and safety.

The schools are not affiliated with religions, although some are housed in church buildings.

Some charter schools serve specific populations such as migrant or disabled students. Availability of transportation and meals varies by school. Some schools require uniforms.

An early charter leader in Florida, Hillsborough County has had charter schools since 1998. During the 2007-08 school year, about 4,300 students were enrolled in 25 charter schools.

Four charter schools are slated to be added in 2007-08.

The new charters are:

Community Charter School of Excellence, a school serving kindergarten through fifth grade at 10948 N. Central Ave., Tampa, with a focus on visual and graphic arts.

New Springs Charter School, an institution that hasn't yet chosen a location opening for students in grades sixth to eighth, with an emphasis on math and science.

Taylor Peace Academy, a school serving students in kindergarten through third grade at 10512 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, with an emphasis on peace education and conflict resolution.

Literacy Leadership Technology High School, an extension of an established charter school at 6771 Madison Ave., Tampa, with an emphasis on character education.

Contact the individual charter school to enroll. Some have waiting lists.

For information, call the district's charter school office at (813) 272-4049 or visit the district Web site at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us; go to quick links, then click on charter schools.

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