Ask Center Academy

Question 1

What is Center Academy?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy is a fully accredited, independent private school, family-operated since 1968, offering a college-prep curriculum for students with learning differences in grades 4-12. Its guiding approach is "Happy. Secure. Inspired."

Question 2

Who does Center Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy serves students in grades 4-12 with learning differences, including ADHD/ADD, dyslexia and other learning disabilities, and Asperger's and high-functioning autism, through personalized instruction in small classes.

Question 3

What grades does Center Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy offers a college-prep curriculum for students in grades 4 through 12.

Question 4

Why was Center Academy founded?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mack Hicks founded Center Academy in 1968 after seeing a need for a specialized, full-day school for students who were falling through the cracks in traditional schools. It was one of the first U.S. schools focused on students with Attention Deficit Disorder and other neuropsychological processing difficulties.

Question 5

Who founded Center Academy?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy was founded in 1968 by Dr. Mack Hicks, with a team of professionals in neuropsychology, education and individualized remediation.

Question 6

How long has Center Academy been open?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy has been family-operated since 1968, more than five decades serving students with learning differences.

Question 7

What is Center Academy's mission?

Accepted Answer

Its mission is to provide a learning environment that develops self-confidence, motivation and academic skills, and gives students the opportunity to achieve success in life. The school aims to build self-esteem, inspire best effort, provide a supportive "third place," prepare students for post-graduate studies, and remediate learning disabilities with compensatory strategies for adult success.

Question 8

What are the four pillars?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy is built on four pillars: Happy (Learn the Best Way), Secure (We Prioritize Safety), Inspired (Motivated to Succeed), and Trained Faculty (Individualized Excellence).

Question 9

What does the "Happy" pillar mean?

Accepted Answer

"Happy — Learn the Best Way" means Center Academy works to improve each student's self-esteem, self-concept and self-confidence so they learn in the way that suits them best.

Question 10

What does the "Secure" pillar mean?

Accepted Answer

"Secure — We Prioritize Safety" means the school creates an environment where students feel comfortable and safe, with routine, order and close supervision.

Question 11

What does the "Inspired" pillar mean?

Accepted Answer

"Inspired — Motivated to Succeed" means Center Academy inspires students to give their best efforts in all the tasks they undertake.

Question 12

What does Trained Faculty mean?

Accepted Answer

"Trained Faculty — Individualized Excellence" means staff truly understand students' needs and deliver learning with skill and patience, educating the whole child and treating students with respect.

Question 13

What is the school motto?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy's taglines are "Happy. Secure. Inspired." and "What you learn today can change the future."

Question 14

How does Center Academy teach?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy combines group instruction with quiet, individualized study in small, structured classrooms. Each student receives an individualized program based on assessment of their processing strengths and weaknesses, with a typical 10:1 student-teacher ratio and a qualified teacher plus a teaching assistant in each classroom.

Question 15

What is the student-teacher ratio?

Accepted Answer

The typical student-teacher ratio is 10:1, with a qualified teacher and a teaching assistant in each classroom.

Question 16

Are the classes small?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Center Academy keeps classes small and structured, with a 10:1 ratio and a teacher plus a teaching assistant, so each student gets individual attention.

Question 17

What is individualized or prescriptive learning?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy's individualized ("High Impact") learning was developed by psychologists, neuropsychologists, remedial clinicians and educators. Each student gets a program built from assessment that targets their processing strengths and weaknesses, with accommodations or remedial materials for attention, thinking and memory.

Question 18

What reading and learning programs do you use?

Accepted Answer

For students with significant processing deficits or dyslexia, Center Academy may use Lexia PowerUp and Core5 (adaptive reading), Learning Ally (audiobooks), IEW (structured writing) and a math remediation program, as part of an individualized plan.

Question 19

How does Center Academy support students with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy supports students with ADHD and learning differences through personalized instruction, small structured classes, reduced distractions, clear routines, organizational help and close supervision, in a caring, orderly and nurturing environment.

Question 20

How does Center Academy support students with autism or Asperger's?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy serves students with Asperger's and high-functioning autism through its personalized, small-class model, individual attention and a structured, supportive environment. Contact your nearest campus to discuss a specific student's needs.

Question 21

How do you support students with dyslexia or learning disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Students with learning differences and dyslexia receive an individualized program with small structured classes, accommodations and, where needed, adaptive reading and remediation tools such as Lexia and Learning Ally.

Question 22

What accommodations are available?

Accepted Answer

School-wide accommodations include reduced distractions, small-group instruction, organizational help, minimal homework, fewer class changes, clear routines and close supervision. Individualized accommodations include brief tasks, extended time, on-task cueing, understanding checks, frequent progress monitoring, alternative assignments and differentiated curriculum.

Question 23

What is your homework policy?

Accepted Answer

Homework is assigned individually, as needed, to support each student's academic, learning and emotional goals. Center Academy believes excessive homework adds stress without helping students.

Question 24

Do you educate the whole child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Center Academy aims to educate the whole child, combining curriculum, community and individual attention in a caring, orderly, safe and nurturing environment.

Question 25

What curriculum does Center Academy follow?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy's high school courses align with Florida graduation requirements and Florida State Standards and lead to a standard diploma, focusing on the essential academic skills students need for work, college and daily life.

Question 26

What diploma do graduates earn?

Accepted Answer

Graduating seniors earn a Standard Diploma recognized by the Florida Department of Education, with a 24-credit minimum for graduation.

Question 27

How many credits are required to graduate?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy requires a minimum of 24 credits to graduate, with students earning credit for each completed course.

Question 28

Do you offer dual enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Advanced students may take dual enrollment courses that earn both high school and college credit.

Question 29

Is Center Academy college-prep?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Center Academy offers a college-prep curriculum for grades 4-12, preparing students for post-graduate studies while emphasizing the essentials of reading, writing and mathematics.

Question 30

What accreditations does Center Academy hold?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy is accredited by Cognia, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA).

Question 31

How does Center Academy assess students?

Accepted Answer

At intake, staff gather information on each student's learning styles, experiences and academic needs, with additional testing when needed to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses and build an individualized program.

Question 32

What tests does Center Academy use?

Accepted Answer

Since 2018-19 Center Academy has used NWEA MAP Growth, an adaptive test that begins at the student's grade level and adjusts to their responses. It previously used the Stanford Achievement Tests. MAP is not a Florida state test and carries no high-stakes consequences; the school has never administered the FSA or FCAT.

Question 33

How is student progress tracked?

Accepted Answer

Frequent, flexible MAP Growth testing during the year helps teachers individualize instruction and track each student's gains, with timely reports that support teaching and learning.

Question 34

Does Center Academy show results?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy reports that its nationally-normed assessments consistently show students make learning gains, and a parent survey found statistically significant improvement across all ten measures rated before and after enrollment. These outcomes are school-reported, so ask your campus for current details.

Question 35

What was the NIMH research grant?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy says the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) selected it, among only a few schools, for a $325,000 grant to develop individualized remedial programs; over 200 students received free evaluations and remediation under the grant.

Question 36

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applying takes three simple steps: (1) Inquire, by filling out the inquiry form or calling your nearest campus to speak with the director; (2) Visit the school, meeting a director in person; and (3) Enroll, once you and the director agree the school is a good fit.

Question 37

Do you have rolling admissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Center Academy has rolling admissions all year long, subject to availability, with no application deadlines, and it continues to accept new students for the current school year.

Question 38

What is the first step to enroll?

Accepted Answer

Start by filling out the inquiry form or calling the campus nearest you for a phone interview with the school director.

Question 39

Can we visit or tour in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After an initial inquiry you schedule a time to meet in person with one of the directors and see the school. Contact your nearest campus to arrange it.

Question 40

What are the admission requirements?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy reviews fit through a phone interview and an in-person visit with a director; additional assessment may be used to build an individualized program. Contact the campus nearest you for specifics for your child.

Question 41

Does Center Academy discriminate in admissions?

Accepted Answer

No. Center Academy does not discriminate in admissions, financial aid or programs on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin or disability.

Question 42

What scholarships does Center Academy accept?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy accepts Florida's Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA, formerly Gardiner/McKay), the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) and Florida Tax Credit (FTC), and the Hope Scholarship.

Question 43

Who qualifies for the FES-UA scholarship?

Accepted Answer

FES-UA (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities, formerly the Gardiner and McKay scholarships) supports students with a diagnosed disability or an IEP. Funds go into a government-authorized ESA savings account with restricted but multiple uses, including private-school tuition and fees.

Question 44

What is the FES-EO scholarship?

Accepted Answer

FES-EO (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options), along with the Florida Tax Credit, is income-based and covers K-12 students. Families apply through an approved scholarship funding organization.

Question 45

What is the Hope Scholarship?

Accepted Answer

The Hope Scholarship is for Florida public-school students in grades K-12 who have been bullied, harassed, assaulted or threatened; it lets a student transfer to another public school or enroll in an approved private school like Center Academy.

Question 46

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Families apply and renew annually through an approved Scholarship Funding Organization (SFO), such as Step Up For Students, which determines eligibility and distributes funds. Center Academy's staff will walk you through the process and help you choose the best option.

Question 47

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

Tuition and payment plans vary by campus, and many families use Florida scholarships (FES-UA, FES-EO/FTC or Hope) to help cover the cost. For current tuition and payment options, please contact the campus nearest you.

Question 48

Can a scholarship cover tuition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Scholarship ESA funds can be used to pay private-school tuition and fees. For tuition amounts and payment plans, contact your nearest campus.

Question 49

Which campuses do you have?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy has 11 Florida campuses: Pinellas Park, Palm Harbor, Lutz and Riverview (Tampa Bay); Maitland, Hunter's Creek and Waterford Lakes (Orlando); Julington Creek and St. Johns Bluff (Jacksonville); Cape Coral (Southwest Florida); and Coral Springs (Southeast Florida).

Question 50

Where is Center Academy located?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy has 11 campuses across Florida, grouped in Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southwest Florida (Cape Coral) and Southeast Florida (Coral Springs). Use the "Find Your Campus" section on this page for each campus address and phone.

Question 51

Is there a campus in Tampa Bay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the Tampa Bay area Center Academy has campuses in Pinellas Park (6710 86th Ave N; 727-541-5716), Palm Harbor (34054 US 19 N; 727-781-2986), Lutz (1520 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Suite D; 813-909-9442) and Riverview (10518 Riverview Drive; 813-677-7777).

Question 52

Is there a campus in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the Orlando area Center Academy has campuses in Maitland (341 North Orlando Avenue; 407-772-8727), Hunter's Creek (3430 Hunter's Creek Blvd.; 407-286-1673) and Waterford Lakes (1331 South Alafaya Trail; 407-270-4444).

Question 53

Is there a campus in Jacksonville?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the Jacksonville area Center Academy has campuses at Julington Creek (106 Julington Plaza Dr., Suite 4; 904-448-1956) and St. Johns Bluff (2804 St Johns Bluff Rd S; 904-645-5366).

Question 54

Is there a campus in Cape Coral or Southwest Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Center Academy's Cape Coral campus serves Southwest Florida at 706 SW 6th Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33991 (239-984-4884).

Question 55

Is there a campus in Coral Springs or Southeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Center Academy's Coral Springs campus serves Southeast Florida (the West Boca Raton / Margate area) at Pine Grove Plaza, 4700 Riverside Drive, Suite 100, Coral Springs, FL 33067 (954-575-1231).

Question 56

Where is the home office?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy's Home Office is in Pinellas Park, Florida, where the school moved to a permanent 10-acre campus in 1974.

Question 57

What activities are there?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy aims to educate the whole child through curriculum, community and individual attention, and its graduates learn to be active participants. For the activities at a particular campus, contact that campus directly.

Question 58

What do graduates learn to do?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy says its graduates know how to study, gain self-esteem, budget their time, set goals, think independently, get along with others, accept responsibility and be active participants.

Question 59

What do parents value about Center Academy?

Accepted Answer

Parents say they value the teacher-student and parent-teacher relationships, teacher skills, academic programs, school routine and discipline, safety, and the clarity of the school's goals and values.

Question 60

What is Center Academy's history?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mack Hicks founded Center Academy in 1968 in St. Petersburg, FL. A London campus opened in 1974 as the school moved to a 10-acre Pinellas Park site; Tampa followed in 1976, a high school program began in 1984, and the first class graduated in 1987. A 1988 NIMH grant funded individualized remediation research. Hunter's Creek (Orlando) opened in 2021, and by 2023 Center Academy had 11 Florida campuses, including Cape Coral.

Question 61

How do I contact Center Academy?

Accepted Answer

You can inquire or reach the school through centeracademy.com/contact-us, or call the campus nearest you (every campus phone number is in the "Find Your Campus" section on this page).

Question 62

Do you order uniforms online?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy links to an online uniform ordering site from its website; ask your campus for the current link and details.

Question 63

Where can I follow Center Academy online?

Accepted Answer

Center Academy is on Facebook (facebook.com/centeracademypinellaspark), Instagram (@centeracademy10) and YouTube. Links are on the website.

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