Children affect our future--their education. Perhaps some of us will not raise children, marry, or start a family after college, but just like the Baby Boomers rely on us to ensure their future, we still depend upon generations, younger than you and me.

Chad, a fifth grade student, and his mother, Linda, are searching for the best school in Tampa. Chad’s options are limited though because Linda does not make much money. Chad qualifies for the Reduced Lunch Program in Florida, and scores above average on standardized tests. Chad is a productive member in his community because he tutors kids in his neighborhood and volunteers at The Ronald McDonald House of Charity.

The first school they visit is a private Catholic School called Incarnation. The school offers art, incorporating art history with hands-on experience, sports, clubs, music, and the student council. The principal, Mrs. Goslee, states, “Everybody gets art class every week. It’s amazing what everyone can do.” Linda loves the variety because she firmly believes that electives make school fun and create an interactive environment. She wants Chad to learn to share and play fair. She wants his mind open to create possibilities.

The second school they visit is a public Middle School called Monroe. Chad and Linda are discouraged to discover that art, physical education, or drama. Chad enjoys art and wishes he had the option at Monroe. Linda believes that electives will balance all aspects of Chad’s life; she is very distressed. The guidance counselor states, “More teachers equals more funds, funds that we do not have. We cut art programs and noticed a difference in children’s imaginative minds. The halls just aren’t as bright anymore.” They have no choice because Linda cannot afford the private school’s tuition. Chad and Linda are sad.

How will Chad possibly receive a satisfactory education? Linda prays for an answer.

One sunny summer day Linda passes a school, in the heart of Ybor City, called Academy Prep. She saw bright smiling faces behind a protective metal fence and wondered why this school had not popped up in her search for schools in Tampa. She picked up an application fro the front office and fled home to tell Chad the wonderful news and optimistic possibility.

She tells him the Academy Prep offers math, science, social studies, English, Spanish, history, geography, art, drama, music, dance and physical education. Extra curricular activities: chess, tennis, dance, karate, golf, drama, soccer, canoeing. She continues that graduates are attending prestigious schools, most with full scholarships, nationwide: Eckerd College, Webber, St. Pete Catholic High School, Jacksonville State University, Admiral Farragut Academy, Berkeley Preparatory School, Naval Academy, University of Florida, Academy of the Holy Names. She tells him that he will not have to give up his community service spirit because it it incorporated into Academy Prep’s curriculum. Chad sits hopefully listening. His brain is smiling. Linda continues that the students clean the school every day and attend tutoring sessions after cleaning, Chad asks how many students are in the school and she responds by stating that 100 children are enrolled and classes are small with 15 children in each. She giggles that Chad won’t be able to pass little love notes to girls because boys and girls are taught separately during the school day. Chad’s cheeks become sensational hot and red. Linda states that she met a sixth grader named Christine who told her that she likes the uniform because her and her friends are dressed the same. Wow Mom that sounds amazing! Can we go online to check it out?

www.academyprep.org. Linda and Chad discovered that the school is run completely on donations. Tuition is free! Businesses provide funds toward financial scholarships, sponsor events, underwrite programs and provide capital, making them eligible for tax refunds, for facilities. A brief listing of businesses: Blimpie, Burger King, Dollar General, Home Shopping Network, Progress Energy, Southern Wine and Spirits, and Subway. The Bank of America, The Columbia Restaurant and Raymond James Financial are classified as capital contributors. Individuals financially support Academy Prep by paying to attend special events, writing checks, paying with credit cards, establishing trusts, allotting a specific amount to be withdrawn every month through an electronic transfer, assigning life insurance policies, and by naming the school as a beneficiary in a will. Linda is thrilled, but some questions lurk. Disabled children are not admitted to Academy Prep. How will Chad learn compassion if does not see adversity in the flesh? What happens when a child is willing to be the student you request, but his or her parent(s) do not wish to participate? Is this a fair way to judge criteria for student acceptance? Only English speaking--first language--children are accepted. Low income families positively correlate with minority groups. What is the benefit of leaving Latin, Asian and Indian speaking children in the streets of English speaking America without being able to speak English?

Linda is willing to overlook these adversities because she cares more about Chas’d education. Next, they read, “Following application submittal, the guidance counselor, Anita Wash-Morrow, conducts an interview with the family: parent(s) and prospective student. After that, all submitted material is meticulously examined by the Director of Development, Betsy Draper. If student meets criteria, then the prospective student is invited to attend Academy Prep summer camp. Finally, the prospective student is offered a full scholarship to Academy Prep, if selected at the closing ceremony of camp. Remember, the student and parent accept the scholarship together!” (prep.org) Mom that is totally us! Chad, you meet all the qualifications!

Chad is not the only qualified person. Mom, check out the staff! The Head of School, Lincoln J. Tamayo, received his B.A. degree from the university of Notre Dame, his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law, and his Master’s from Harvard University. Ted McNair teaches history, karate and chess, is a 21-year veteran of the air force, holds a Bachelor and Master’s in Education, is a sixth-degree black-belt former World Karate Champion. I am impressed. The boy’s history teacher, Mr. Ibanez, holds a Master’s in Education. The girl’s science teacher, Nydia Nelson, holds a Master’s in Education. The boy’s math teacher holds a Master’s in Education. The guidance counselor, Anita, holds a Master’s in Social Work. Respectable. The Director of Development, Ms. Draper, holds a Master’s in Education. Drama teacher, Mrs. Gard, continues to pursue her Master’s in School Counseling, the receptionist has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, the girl’s English teacher, Cristina, holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish, the Volunteer Coordinator holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Notre Dame University.

Chad and Linda conclude that Academy Prep is an effective, constructive, and encouraging home-away-from-home schooling. They believe Academy Prep will feel like family. Chad asks, “Does college-life ever feel like family?”