New High School Caters to Kids Who Learn Differently

Just because some teens learn differently than others or don’t excel in classrooms packed full of other students doesn’t mean they should be left to fall through the cracks.

That’s the philosophy of Keystone Prep High School, which opens its doors to students for the first time Aug. 20. The private, nonprofit high school is an offshoot of Tampa Day School that caters to average to above average learners who might suffer from ADHD, dyslexia or just good old fashion test anxiety. 

While the school’s teaching style is meant to help those with learning disabilities succeed, it’s not just for kids facing those obstacles.

“We’re not a special education facility,” explained Lois Delaney, founding director. “But, there are a lot of kids who fall through the cracks struggling with attention. (They’re) easily overwhelmed.”

Delaney said these kids often “survive” in traditional high school settings, but they don’t necessarily “thrive.”

Enter Keystone Prep.

With classrooms limited to 15 students and a focus on college prep and life skills both, Keystone Prep structures learning in a way that’s meant to help kids focus and succeed, Delaney said. Students at the school can anticipate a curriculum that’s based on Common Core Standards, but that’s structured to help them set and attain personal and educational goals.

Homework, for example, won’t be frequently given. Instead, Keystone Prep students will attend afterschool homework labs where their teachers remain available to assist them, if needed.

Delaney, who also serves as Tampa Day School’s executive director, said the idea is that school is the kids’ job. Adults don’t bring home hours and hours of work each night and students shouldn’t either, she said.

While some adjustments have been made to accommodate different learning styles, Delaney stresses Keystone Prep won’t offer an easy ride for students.

“We don’t water down the curriculum,” she said.

To that end, classes are designed to prepare kids for college and also get them ready for what life will throw at them, she said. An arts program, culinary classes, foreign language and other standard high school fare will be available. Dual enrollment in college classes is also an option for those who are interested, Delaney added.

Students here also have their own faculty advocates, who act like mentors to help them navigate high school life. The idea is to ensure that no child feels like they’ve been given up on, Delaney said.

That lack of connection is one of the things that drew Donna Harvey to Keystone Prep for her son. He had attended Tampa Day School in the past, she said. When he left, “he started to struggle.”

Keystone Prep’s approach to learning caught Harvey’s attention. Her son will attend in the fall and she’s also the school’s business manager.  

Want to find out more about Keystone Prep?

The school plans an open house Saturday, July 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at its new campus, 12363 Hampton Park Blvd., which is just off Gunn Highway. For more information about the open house, the school or tuition, visit KeystonePrep.org or call 813-264-4500.