Arts Concentration

The Arts Concentration mission is to provide students with a rigorous arts-focused curriculum that will engage, inspire, and celebrate creativity, emphasizing commitment and discipline, while encouraging a lifelong appreciation of the arts. In support of the School’s Mission Statement, the Arts Concentration Program presents a unique opportunity for students to earn an Arts Concentration Scholar certificate along with their diploma by completing a prescribed curriculum and additional requirements during their four years in the Upper School.

While participating students are required to take a minimum of three years of arts classes, they are encouraged to take arts classes during all four years of high school. Because Arts Concentration students will often forego study halls, they should carefully manage additional after-school activities in order to perform well academically. Students involved in intensive after-school, year-round athletic or other extracurricular commitments must carefully consider their ability and desire to dedicate further time and energy towards the Arts Concentration. Rising 10th grade students must apply to join the concentration at the end of their 9th grade year.

Arts Concentration Common Goals

• Commitment
• Literacy
• Advanced Arts Discipline
• Leadership/Community service
• Advocacy
• Creativity
• Innovation

Academic Concentration Application Process

The deadline for 2020-21 program applicants has closed. 2021-2022 applications will open in April 2021.

Candidates for the Arts Concentration are required to:

1. Read the program overview and curricular requirements.
2. Complete the Online Application Form.
3. An audition is required for Instrumental Music, Vocal Arts, and Theatre Concentration candidates. Auditions will be scheduled individually, by the instructor.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Global Studies Concentration

In support of the School’s Mission Statement, Tampa Prep offers an interdisciplinary Global Studies Concentration for rising 10th grade students who are passionate about international issues. This concentration requires students to select classes from a body of relevant coursework that lies at the heart of the interdisciplinary focus. In addition, students are required to participate in one of several extracurricular activities that complement the program. Participants must also attend a manageable selection of related events. The underlying goal is to equip graduating students with a range of experiences that prepare them for further opportunities in these interdisciplinary fields, while also completing Tampa Prep’s graduation requirements. Students who successfully complete all requirements for a Concentration will be recognized at graduation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The deadline for 2019-20 program applicants has closed.
2020-2021 applications will be open in April 2020.

Candidates for the Global Studies Program are required to:

1. Read the program overview and curriculum criteria (left).
2. Complete the Global Studies Application form.
3. Obtain two recommendations, one of which must come from a current teacher. Please direct references to the Global Studies Recommendation Form.

Please direct any questions about these requirements to Global Studies Coordinator Mrs. Laura Bridges-Pereira at lpereira@tampaprep.org or 813.251.8481 x4249.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW and CURRICULUM CRITERIA: Global Studies

1. Application and acceptance into the Concentration
2. Completion of the core curriculum
3. Completion of two additional Global Studies credits
4. Regular participation in an approved activity
5. Must attend at least one Model United Nations conference before graduation
6. Must attend all scheduled on-campus events and one off-campus event each semester
7. Host an international student
8. Participation in at least one approved study/travel abroad program
9. Completion of an approved culminating research project
10. Maintain a minimum overall unweighted 3.0 GPA in Global Studies courses (pertains to the Class of 2017 and beyond)
11. All exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the Global Studies Committee

1. Application

• Rising 10th grade students must submit an application by a pre-determined deadline to the Global Studies Committee, stating their desire to participate in the Concentration and agreeing to the terms of the program.

2. Participating students must complete the following core curriculum by graduation

• History
  • World History 1
  • World History 2 or AP World History
  • US History or AP US History
• English
  • English 9
  • English 10
  • English 11
  • English 12
• Languages
  • Four-year minimum
  • Can be three years in one language and one in a second language, or four in the same language

3. Participating students must complete at least TWO credits of these courses by the end of 12th grade:

• AP Art History (1.0)
• Economics (1.0)
• AP Economics (1.0)
• AP European History (1.0)
• Estudios Latinoamericanos (0.5)
• Latin American Studies (0.5)
• Francophone Studies (0.5)
• Advanced French Conversation Through Film (0.5)
• World Religions (0.5)
• Contemporary Issues (0.5)
• Cultural Anthropology (0.5)
• Other courses approved by the Global Studies Committee

4. Students must be a regular, yearly participant in ONE of the following activities:

• International Club
• Environmental Club
• STAND
• Model United Nations (M.U.N.)
• A Tampa Prep world or classical language club
• Any additional club approved by the Global Studies Committee

5. Students must attend at least ONE Model United Nations conference before graduating

6. Students must attend all scheduled on-campus events and one off-campus event each semester

• There will be a variety of offerings each semester
• After each event students must submit an artifact from the event (if off-campus) and a written reflection of the event to the Global Studies Committee within five days of attending the event

7. Students must host an international student at least once during their Global Studies Concentration (by the end of 12th grade)

• Host a Tampa Prep international exchange student for a semester or a year
  (Host families will be provided with a substantial monthly stipend to defer costs of hosting a student)
  (or)
• Host a shorter-term visiting exchange student

8. Students must participate in at least ONE approved study/travel abroad program during their Global Studies Concentration (by the end of 12th grade)

• Program must be a minimum of ten days in length

9. Students must complete a culminating Global Research Project that is approved by the Global Studies Committee

• Students must present their research in a public forum

10. Students must maintain a minimum overall unweighted 3.0 GPA in Global Studies courses. In addition, students are encouraged to pursue a global studies oriented Senior Internship.

Humanities Concentration

In support of the school’s mission statement, Tampa Prep offers an interdisciplinary Humanities Concentration for rising 10th grade students who are passionate about the study of the humanities. Humanities–“the branches of learning that investigate human constructs and concerns” (Merriam-Webster)–are an integral part of a well-rounded education and is part of each Tampa Prep student’s course of study.

The Humanities Concentration goes beyond that threshold and provides select students with a challenging, nurturing and structured program in which they can further their understanding and appreciation of the discipline. Exposure to high-level course work in both the English and the History departments, enrollment in a broad selection of elective courses along with participation in civic, off-campus educational and service activities combine to create a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of this important field of study that those graduating from the program will draw upon as they move forward.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The deadline for 2019-20 program applicants has closed.
2020-2021 applications will open April 2020.

Candidates for the Humanities Concentration are required to:

1. Read the program overview and curriculum criteria (left).
2. Complete the Humanities Application form.
3. Obtain two recommendations, one each from the student’s current English and History teachers. Please direct references to the Humanities Recommendation Form.

Please direct any questions about these requirements to Humanities Coordinator Mr. Andrew Hill at ahill@tampaprep.org or 813.251.8481 x4305.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW and CURRICULUM CRITERIA: Humanities

1. Application and acceptance into the concentration
2. Successful completion of all core courses, including the Humanities Seminar(s) semester courses
3. Successful completion of elective courses (AP-level and others)
4. Attendance at all required events (emphasis-specific, if applicable) including at least two on- or off-campus events per semester that may include speakers, film screenings, civic forums, governmental meetings, service activities, etc.
5. Participation in clubs and activities (emphasis-specific, if applicable)
6. Successful completion of culminating 12-15 page research project (emphasis-specific, if applicable) written senior year (or junior year with prior approval)
7. Participation in designated service activities
8. Maintain a minimum overall unweighted 3.0 GPA in Humanities courses. Any grade below a B (or B- in AP-level courses) will not count toward completion of the concentration’s requirements
9. Any and all exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the Humanities Concentration Committee.

APPLICATION

• Rising 10th grade students must submit an online application to the Humanities Concentration Committee, stating their desire to participate in the Concentration and agreeing to the terms of the program
• Applicants must have demonstrated a high level of success and responsibility in English and History courses.
• Recommendations from 9th grade History and English Teachers are mandatory.
• Students will be notified of acceptance by the end of their 9th grade school year.

PARTICIPATING STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CORE CURRICULUM BY GRADUATION

Core AP Course Requirements

Each student must complete three (3) of the following AP-level courses: (Selections must include at least one History and one English course.)

• AP English Language and Composition/11th grade
• AP English Literature and Composition/12th grade (required for Art and Literature Emphasis)
• AP World History
• AP United States History (required for Policy Emphasis)
• AP European History

Additional AP-Level Study

Each student must also complete at least one additional AP-level course for a total of four (4) chosen either from those listed in the core requirement or from this list:

• AP Spanish Language
• AP Spanish Literature
• AP Economics (required for Humans and Society Emphasis)
• AP Art History (required for Art and Literature Emphasis)
• AP Government and Politics (required for Policy Emphasis)
• AP French
• AP Latin
• AP Psychology
• AP Statistics

Remaining Course Requirements

In addition to the four (4) required AP courses, each student must also complete the equivalent of three, year-long courses (6 semester equivalents) from the Humanities Concentration course lists. Courses will be counted toward the concentration requirement according to the following values:

• AP Course = 3 semester equivalents
• Full-year course = 2 semester equivalents
• Half-year course = 1 semester equivalent

Non-AP Study

Remaining credits (after the AP elective and any additional AP courses) of the year total must come from the following list.

* indicates a semester course

• Book Arts*
• Introduction to Law*
• Presidential Elections*
• World Literature*
• Words, Sights and Sounds*
• Creative Writing*
• Film Criticism*
• Journalism
• Latin American Studies*
• French Conversation and Cinema*
• Cultural Anthropology*
• World Religions*
• True Crime Literature*
• Psychology (non-AP)*
• Economics (non-AP)
• Bioethics*

Sample Course Selections (assuming completion of the four required AP courses):

Student A

AP Psychology 3

Bioethics 1

Film Criticism 1

U.S. Politics: Presidential Elections 1

TOTAL: 6 (semester equivalents)

Student B

World Religions 1

Latin American Studies 1

Film Criticism 1

Journalism 2

Psychology (non-AP) 1

TOTAL: 6

Areas of Emphasis

Students who have a particular area of interest within the broader humanities context may wish to concentrate their studies further. To be recognized for this in-depth study, students will be required to select certain courses from the list of elective courses. Students are not required to choose an emphasis. Decisions regarding the selection of an emphasis and choosing courses should be made in consultation with the Humanities Concentration advisor.

Potential areas of emphasis are:

• Policy (including contemporary policy based on contemporary research and / or contemporary policy based on historical research)
• Art and Literature (including visual arts and written arts of contemporary and historical authors or artists)
• Writing (creative or fiction and journalism or nonfiction)
• Humans and Society (anthropology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and economics)

General Guideline for Emphasis Option:

Participating students, along with their Humanities Advisor, should select a majority of courses (wherever possible) that will coincide with the specific sub-concentration selected by the student. The student’s culminating project, senior internship and required activities would also be expected to enhance their emphasis.

CLUB PARTICIPATION

It is expected (and required) that each participant in the Humanities Concentration will contribute and become an active member of the school community. All participants must maintain active membership and regular participation in at least one of the following, academic/service activities:

• Writing Center
• Creative Writing Club
• Graham Tutoring
• Teen Court
• NHS Tutoring (must be actively engaged)
• Other active academic participation (approval required)

STEM Concentration

In support of the School’s Mission Statement, Tampa Prep offers an interdisciplinary STEM Concentration for rising 10th grade students who relish the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This concentration requires students to select classes from a body of relevant coursework that lies at the heart of the interdisciplinary focus. In addition, students are asked to participate in one of several extracurricular activities that complement the program. Participants must also attend a manageable selection of related events. The underlying goal is to equip graduating students with a range of experiences that prepare them for further opportunities in these fields, while also completing Tampa Prep’s graduation requirements. Students who successfully complete all requirements for a Concentration will be recognized at graduation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The deadline for 2019-20 program applicants has closed.
2020-2021 applications will open April 2020.

Candidates for the STEM Program are required to:

1. Receive permission from Mr. KK Quah (kkquah@tampaprep.org) to enroll in the Intro to Engineering Design course.
2. Read the Program overview and curriculum criteria.
3. Complete the STEM Application form.
4. Submit one recommendation from a Math or Science teacher. Please direct references to the STEM Recommendation form .

Please direct any questions about these requirements to Ms. Suzanne Morrow at smorrow@tampaprep.org or 813.251.8481 x4026.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND CURRICULUM CRITERIA: STEM

1. Application and acceptance into the STEM Concentration

2. Completion of the core curriculum

3. Regular participation in an approved activity

4. Must attend all scheduled on-campus events and one off-campus event each semester

5. Completion and presentation of an approved culminating research project

6. Undertake a STEM-oriented Senior Internship

7. Maintain a minimum overall unweighted 3.0 GPA in STEM courses

8. All exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the STEM Committee

1. Application

• Rising 10th grade students must submit an application to the STEM Committee, stating their desire to participate in the Concentration and agreeing to the terms of the program
• Applicants must at least be entering into Advanced Algebra 2 in 10th grade
• Applicants must have demonstrated a high level of success and responsibility in prior math and science classes

2. Participating students must complete the following core curriculum by graduation:

• Math
  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Advanced Algebra 2
  • Advanced Precalculus
  • Calculus or AP Calculus AB
• Science (at least four credits)
  • Biology
  • Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry or AP Chemistry
  • Physics, Advanced Physics or AP Physics
  • At least one AP science course
• Engineering and Technology
  • Introduction to Engineering Design
  • Principles of Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering OR Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Art
  • At least one half-credit Visual Arts course

3. Students must be a regular, yearly participant in ONE of the following activities:

• Electronics Club
• Environment Club
• Math Club/ Mu Alpha Theta
• National Science Honor Society
• Robotics Club
• Science Olympiad

4. Students must attend all scheduled on-campus STEM events and at least one off-campus event each semester

• There will be a variety of offerings each semester
• After each event students must submit an artifact from the event (if off-campus) and a written reflection of the event to the STEM Committee

5. Students must complete a culminating STEM Research Project as part of the Engineering Design and Development course

• Students must present their research in a public forum

6. Students must pursue a STEM-oriented Senior Internship

7. Maintain a minimum overall unweighted 3.0 GPA in STEM courses