We see unlimited promise in every student. Every single day. Our faculty advisors and school counselors are there to unlock that potential.
Academic
Support
Faculty Advising
Faculty advisors at Tampa Prep enhance the overall learning experience. The advisor is a central link between the advisee and their parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults.
- 45 Upper School faculty advisors: approx. Ten advisees each
- 15 Middle School faculty advisors: approx. 14 advisees each
During the weekly advising period, various issues are discussed in a group format ranging from study skills and academic performance to career planning and self-evaluation exercises. Advising also provides an open forum for students to express any concerns.
Peer Advising
Peer Counselors are a select group of juniors and seniors who meet monthly with a Middle School advising group. The purpose is to encourage relationships across grade levels and ages, engage Middle School students in discussions about social, emotional, and relational issues with an older student, and provide role models for younger students.
This leadership position requires social and relational strength, genuine enjoyment of younger students, and a desire to contribute to the positive environment of our school for all.
Rising juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for this position. The application process involves a written application, a personal interview with the School Counselor, and a faculty recommendation.
Academic Support Counselors
The primary role of our two Academic Support Counselors is to consult with students and families and help manage academic accommodations.
In Upper School, support is provided in:
- Study skills
- Time management and planning
- Executive functioning
- Resources and support for students with learning differences
- Referrals for outside intervention and tutoring
In Middle School, support is presented as:
- Small group work with students around study skills, organizational skills, time management, and planning
- Providing parent programming on how to support students as they build study skills in middle school
- Working with teachers to help students who struggle in the classroom
Programs for Parents & Faculty
Our Academic Support Counselor speaks to parents, students & faculty on topics such as:
- Understanding Learning Differences
- Homework Help
- Helping Your Child Succeed in School
- Calendarizing the Semester: Organization Study Hacks
- Study Strategies
- Tips for Communicating with Teachers
- Tips for Exam Success
Programs for Students
Freshman Transitions Course
Following the trend of first-year transitions at colleges and universities, we have engineered a one-of-a-kind Freshman Transitions curriculum. Subjects include time management, ethics and integrity, social relationships, global perspective, executive functioning, exam prep, healthy living (sleep, diet, mindfulness, sex, addiction, technology use), financial literacy, digital citizenship, and more.
Stress Less Week
During Review Week before midterm and final exams, the Counseling Office sponsors a Stress Less Week. The week is filled with fun and instructive daily activities designed to put into practice research-based best strategies for optimum cognitive efficiency during study and assessments. These activities also provide healthy ways to manage stress during times of pressure. The week incorporates short breaks to breathe, create art, dance, work on a puzzle, create and listen to music, get active and play games, or take a break for an unexpected snack of ice cream or coffee and cookies.
Programs for Parents
Our School Counselor regularly speaks to parent groups on topics such as:
- Resilience: Developing Stress-Hardy Children
- Social Development and Peer Pressure in Middle School
- Too Busy, Too Emotional, Too Stressed – Rising Anxiety in Today’s Adolescents
- Is your Teen Ready for College
- Parenting a College Student
- Emerging Changes during the High School Years
- The Universal Questions of Adolescence
Programs for Students
The School Counselor speaks to students about:
- What To Do If You Worry Too Much
- The Happiness Advantage
- Perils of Perfectionism
- Friendship: How to Make and Keep Friends
- When Should You Call a Friendship Time-Out
- Conflict Resolution
- Suicide Risk and Prevention
Additional Learning Support
Writing Center
This peer-run organization brings together upper-level students, selected for their talent as both writers and leaders, together with first- and second-year students. The Writing Center staff seeks to help other students in their quest to become better communicators.
Study Hall
Most students choose to attend Study Hall for one of their scheduled periods. This allows time during the class day for students to complete a portion of their homework or to seek assistance from a teacher.
Our Support. Your Success.
At Tampa Prep, we recognize that students learn differently. We aim to help students adjust and thrive in our demanding college preparatory environment. We are equipped to provide standard accommodations such as those listed below, but we are not equipped to modify the curriculum.
Standard Accommodations Granted at Tampa Prep
- Extended time on specified subjects’ quizzes, tests, and exams
- Word-processing
- Photocopying student’s notes
- Recording class lectures and discussions
- Supervised study after school
- Opportunity to clarify information and instructions with teacher
- Preferential seating
- Preferential scheduling
- Class laptops
- Low-stimulus test environment
- Alternative to scan-type answer sheets
- Dispensing medication through the Health Coordinator.
A vital reference resource for our complete philosophy and policies is our Guide for Academics and Student Life.
Established Accommodations Approval
In general, accommodations require a recommendation from a medical doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Tampa Prep does not accept IEPs or 504 plans as the only documentation for accommodations. Accommodations for standardized tests (SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP, and PSAT) are awarded only by the College Board and by ACT (ACT, ACT ASPIRE). Tampa Prep cannot grant accommodations for these tests; they must be applied independently.
College Board Guidelines for Accommodations | ACT Guidelines for Accommodations