The STM Difference
Dedicated to STEAM education, creative thinking, and hands-on learning
South Tampa Microschool’s mission is to partner with families and community members to provide an engaging approach to learning. With small class sizes and qualified teachers, each child gets an opportunity to learn in a creative, imaginative environment with a focus on problem solving. We want to build a community that focuses on kindness, connections, and a love of learning.
A new learning experience
Our microschool is a modern version of the one-room schoolhouse. Our classes are mixed ages and divided into small groups for an intimate classroom setting. We actively schedule both indoor and outdoor learning, as well as opportunities for students to collaborate and to solve problems, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) is a big part of every day, with projects that allow students to think outside the box, create and problem solve. We focus on experiential learning in a relationship-driven environment. Lessons are based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community through exploration, discovery and play.
The STM PreK program is Reggio Emilia inspired. This is a constructivist, student centered approach that values creativity, student interests, and open-ended play.
Our central focus is the whole child and their overall development - it’s about more than just academics! We approach meaningful learning with an emphasis on social emotional learning, STEAM education, and hands-on experiences. We strive to cultivate an environment of kindness, connections, and a love of learning.
We believe children learn best when they are
ACTIVE
Students need to be connected to their learning, which means a lot more time doing. We take lots of field trips, don’t use textbooks and worksheets are pretty rare.
ENGAGED
Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that every child is an active participant in their learning, having fun and mastering concepts at the same time.
EMPOWERED
Student interests drive our learning. We work with every child and family to create a custom learning plan based on each child’s needs, desires and learning path.
INSPIRED
Our teaching is rooted in the Florida state standards, but we put a lot of time into creating hands-on lessons to teach in a way that matters to our students.
Community Focus
At our school, we believe in giving back to the community. As part of our mission, we strive to provide students with the tools and resources they need to be successful members of society. From volunteering in local charities to helping out in our classrooms, our students are learning the importance of giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are proud to be part of a community that values giving back, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to making the world a better place in the future through the South Tampa Microschool Foundation.
Recent community involvement:
Last year, we purchased $500 worth of toys for the HCPS toy drive, benefitting Title 1 students through our Holiday Market. In 2024, we surpassed this goal and purchased toys for Children’s Miracle Network familes.
We made 60 welcome back goodie bags for students returning to school at Orange River Elementary in Fort Myers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
We donated over 50 bags of diapers to the Junior League of Tampa’s diaper bank to support families in need in Hillsborough County.
We donated over 150 food drive items to support End 68 Hours of Hunger, an organization who provides weekly meals for nearly 900 students in Hillsborough County. Our students also volunteered for two packing shifts to assemble the bags for the students to bring home each weekend.
We raised money for the South Tampa Microschool Foundation through various ongoing in-school fundraising efforts.
We donated several large boxes of gifts to West Florida Foster Care Services.
“When we moved to Florida two years ago, finding the right educational environment for our two children was a top priority. We explored many of the private schools in the area, and South Tampa Microschool had the most engaging and flexible approach to learning. The personalized attention, small size and mixed age classes, and innovative curriculum allow our children to thrive academically and socially. Whether it’s experimenting in the kitchen, creating in Maker’s Space or enjoying the outdoors, the central focus is on the whole child and experiential learning.
The teachers are not just educators but mentors and valued community members who genuinely care about each student's growth. Our kids are excited to go to school each day and return home eager to share what they’ve learned, how they learned it, and how they can apply it to real-world situations. This enthusiasm has allowed them to truly thrive at the school. We couldn't be happier with our decision to join the wonderful school community at South Tampa Microschool!”
- Ashley, mother of two STM students