PIVOT Charter School Receives Accreditation

PIVOT Charter School Tampa, a tuition-free public charter school in Riverview serving students in grades six-12, announced that it has been fully accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

SACS CASI is one of six regional organizations that accredit public and private schools, colleges and universities in the United States. The rigorous SACS accreditation process included an in-depth evaluation of PIVOT's governance structure and operational standards, curriculum, leadership and staff, academic results, and parental and community involvement.  

Accreditation by a respected independent body like SACS assures parents that their children are receiving a quality education based on state standards.

Additional program enhancements for the 2012-13 school year include free hub-based bus service for those families needing additional assistance getting their student to school and a new after-school program for students offered in partnership with the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center in Brandon.

"It usually takes a school several years to navigate the accreditation process successfully, so we are especially proud to have received our accreditation after our first year of operation," said Liz Bretz, PIVOT Charter School Tampa principal. "Accreditation marks an important milestone in the continuing development of our program and is a true testament to the quality of our curriculum, the commitment of our staff and the dedication of our parents and students. PIVOT is committed to evolving to offer transportation, after-school care and other services that meet the need of students and families looking for an innovative educational program that lets students learn in the way that works best for them."

PIVOT's blended educational model combines a rigorous online curriculum with one-on-one support from state-certified teachers called Educational Coordinators. As part of the PIVOT program, students work with their lead Educational Coordinator to develop a personal vision for success, define goals to help them reach their vision and create an individual education plan that they complete at their own pace. 

Students attend school from either 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition to Educational Coordinators available on site during school hours, PIVOT students have online access to experienced, state-certified teachers who can provide immediate assistance 24 hours a day.

PIVOT Tampa complies with all Florida graduation requirements and offers a full middle and high school curriculum, including more than 15 Advanced Placement courses, a variety of electives and a service learning option.  Core courses align with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. 

Students can jump-start their college careers with early graduation options and dual enrollment in college courses.

PIVOT Charter School is ideal for many students, including accelerated learners looking for Advanced Placement and dual-credit classes, students missing credits and needing to catch up, and those needing a flexible schedule in order to pursue outside interests. 

Nationally recognized learning provider Advanced Academics supplies the program's learning management system, web-based curriculum and online teaching staff.

PIVOT Tampa is still accepting applications for the 2012-13 school year.  For more information or to apply, visit the school's website or call 813-626-6724.