The mission of Center Academy is to provide students with a learning environment that facilitates the development of self-confidence, motivation, and academic skills, and gives students the opportunity to achieve success in life.
It is often difficult for a child to maintain self-esteem when his/her learning requirements differ from other students in school.
Therefore, we offer a highly structured educational program in an atmosphere that is familiar, understanding, nurturing, and supportive.
Center Academy helps students with average to above average intelligence who "fall through the cracks" in school, or who need special help with organization, motivation, and/or social skills.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 96 students
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
LD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Learning Differences, Motivation
Year Founded
1968
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
96 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
32%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
3 courses
Advanced Courses
Chemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
FES and additional Center Academy Scholarships available
% on Financial Aid
95%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$11,250
Admissions Director
Kathy Spangler
Sports
Total Sports Offered
2 sports
Sports
School Notes
- The mission of Center Academy is to provide students with a learning environment that facilitates the development of self-confidence, motivation, and academic skills, and gives students the opportunity to achieve success in life.
- It is often difficult for a child to maintain self-esteem when his/her learning requirements differ from other students in school.
- Therefore, we offer a highly structured educational program in an atmosphere that is familiar, understanding, nurturing, and supportive.
- Center Academy helps students with average to above average intelligence who "fall through the cracks" in school, or who need special help with organization, motivation, and/or social skills.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Center Academy- Pinellas Park offer?
Center Academy- Pinellas Park offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Flag Football.
When is the application deadline for Center Academy- Pinellas Park?
The application deadline for Center Academy- Pinellas Park is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5
Center Academy has been an enormous blessing to our child and our family! We are so happy we moved him here after a very poor experience at another local private school for ADHD and autistic kids. Our child came to C.A. 2 years behind in 7th grade, struggling to learn, hating school, fighting us daily just to get him out the door and to school... 2 years later, he is fully on grade level and ready to enter high school. He has a positive attitude. He is making honor roll, not just completing his work but comprehending and retaining the lessons. He is more organized, more happy, and more content to go to school and perform well while there. We owe this to Center Academy's program and a very dedicated and impressive teacher, Ms. DelCampo. The entire staff is invested in these kids. They aren't easy on him, but they work with compassion and genuine care to help the kids focus and progress. I can say safely, we have only 1 regret... that we chose the other school for 5th grade and not CA. I can only imagine how much sooner he would have found joy in learning, how much sanity we would have saved, and how much further he would be if we had chosen Center Academy for 5th grade instead of waiting until after 6th to make the move. I truly cannot say enough how thankful we are to have the Center Academy team in our life. They really have made all the difference in the world to our son's education and his overall day-to-day happiness. Any of you that have an ADHD or autistic kid can appreciate just how hard it is to get these kids to want to go to school, and even harder to get them doing well. To have my child happy, content, and performing as well as his neurotypical peers is priceless! Thank you, Center Academy.
5 2/11/2020
My son has been at Center Academy for 2 years and we love it. He likes all his teachers and classmates, and I like it that he has PE every day, gets outside a lot, and there is a no homework policy. I also like that there are not a lot of demands on the parent, such as volunteer hours. Overall, great experience.
5 5/17/2016
"I have been so happy with my daughter's progress. I especially appreciate your well trained staff that knows her needs, capabilities, and when not to push her. She has come so far emotionally as well."
Thank you!
5 5/21/2012
My son has been at Center Academy since 8th grade. We moved him there because he was drowning in the public school system. He graduates this year thanks to Center Academy and the teachers. All his teachers have been available to speak with when there were concerns and they were quick to let us know if he was falling behind in his work. The principal always puts the students first and is there to help them out. The cookouts at the sporting events have really helped bring the students and parents together. My son has also enjoyed the prom and dances as well as playing flag football. Moving him to Center Academy was the best choice we could have made. And we are very happy we did!
5 5/21/2012
Great school, great teachers and great staff. My son has attended for two years. I truly believe that without the encouragement and support of the school director, teachers and staff that he would not be graduating. My son has enjoyed the sports program and the family cookouts have been a great way to meet parents.
The school director has been a positive role model and mentor for my son.
Thanks to everyone at Center Academy!
5 5/1/2012
My child has had a wonderful education for the 6 years she has attended Center Academy and her favorite teacher is Mr. Hawe (always). He is a good teacher and cares about this students.
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