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 smaller class sizes and qualified teachers, each student 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 holistic learning approach

Subject Integration

  • Integration of knowledge across different disciplines

  • See the connections between various fields and understand the real-world application

Experiential Learning

  • Hands-on activities that engage multiple senses including projects, field trips, and other activities that provide a more immersive and practical learning experience

Student-Centered Curriculum

  • The state standards are our framework

  • STM students’ academic goal is to master these standards in an experiential way that inspires curiosity and a love for learning

Critical Thinking

  • Instead of rote memorization, we focus on developing critical thinking skills

  • Learners are encouraged to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts

Social & Emotional Development

  • Importance of emotional and social development alongside intellectual growth

  • Well-being of the whole student, addressing not only students’ academic needs

  • Our active School Counselor is always available for student support. She also does classroom lessons, small groups, individual counseling, and schoolwide initiatives.

Individualized Learning

  • We meet students where they’re at and allow them to grow and thrive from there

  • Personalized or student-centered approach based on strengths and differentiated learning approaches Low student to student ratio allows students to build rapport with teachers

Lifelong Learning

  • Encourage a mindset of lifelong learning where students continue to seek knowledge/skills

  • View education as a continuous, dynamic process, not just a fixed period of instruction

Cultural Sensitivity & Diversity

  • Seek to create an exclusive and respectful learning environment

  • Value practices that encourage students to celebrate diversity, foster equity and inclusion, and make a positive difference in the world

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 either go off campus to an immersive experience/field trip or bring them to school. We are also active in the community through service learning initiatives.

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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At South Tampa Microschool and Peninsular Prep, we are committed to creating an educational environment where every individual is valued, respected, and celebrated. We believe that diversity—of background, culture, identity, and thought—enriches the learning experience and prepares our students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Our mission is to provide an equitable education that is accessible to all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or ability. We strive to create an inclusive community where every voice is heard, and every person has the opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally.

We are dedicated to promoting social justice and ensuring that all members of our school community feel a sense of belonging. Through our curriculum, policies, and practices, we aim to cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and mutual understanding. We will continue to challenge ourselves to actively address inequities and create a welcoming environment that supports the diverse needs of all students.

We recognize that achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continual reflection, learning, and action to build a school community where all individuals can succeed and grow. We value the closeness and diversity of the STM community and believe it's an integral part of student success. We also value practices that encourage our students to celebrate diversity, foster equity and inclusion, and make a positive difference in the world.

“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