FAQs

What is a microschool?

A microschool is a purposefully small school, typically consisting of mixed-age classes with low student-to-teacher ratios. Microschools generally take a whole-child approach to meaningful learning, focusing not just on a child’s academic performance but their overall development.

Where is STM located?

We are located at The Prep of South Tampa - 4002 S. Coolidge Ave.

What is STEAM?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. It is a project-based approach to education that empowers students to be curious learners who seek creative solutions to real-world problems.

What grade levels does STM span?

We have PreK, elementary, and middle school programs. Our PreK program starts at age 3. All PreK students must be fully potty trained to enroll.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio at STM?

Our ratio may change slightly from year-to-year, but it is capped at 1:12. PreK classroom ratios are typically 1:6, Kindergarten-2nd grade classrooms are 1:10, and 3rd-6th grade classrooms are capped at 1:12.

A low student-to-teacher ratio not only allows more time for creativity and play, it’s essential for individualized attention, relationship-building and the flexibility to explore topics that interest our students.

How much is tuition?

For the 24-25 school year, elementary tuition is $11,500 annually. Middle school tuition is $12,500 annually. PreK tuition is $8,100 (part-time) or $11,000 (full-time).

Do students participate in “specials'“ or enrichments during the school day?

Yes! Though art and physical activity are integrated into our core subjects, elementary and middle school students also have an enrichment block during the school day. Electives (or enrichments) include musical theater (South Tampa Center for the Arts), fine arts, PE, Spanish, and music.

We incorporate immersion days into our curriculum as well, which allows students to deeply explore topics/interests, including: computer science/coding, gardening/farming, entrepreneurship, and Jr. Medical Studies.

After school, STM and other vendors offer programs to our students including: foreign language, baking, Girl Power, coding, yoga, group music, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and gymnastics.

How do you measure students’ progress?

At STM, we don’t use a traditional grading system. Instead, we maintain portfolios of student work and anecdotal records to evaluate student progress. We complete quarterly progress reports to evaluate student progress.

Do you assign homework?

For elementary and middle school students, homework is optional. Families can elect to have no homework, light homework, or full homework. Homework is assigned with the intention of reinforcing and practicing content and skills learned in class, not to have students learn something new or as busy work.

What is the school calendar?

Our school calendar typically follows the Hillsborough County Public School calendar.

What are the school hours?

For PreK, students join us from either 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Elementary students join us from 8:25-2:45 and middle schoolers from 8:25-3:25.

What is STM’s Ethics Policy?

Our ethics policy is linked here.

What are STM’s teacher hiring practices?

Our teacher hiring practices can be found here.