Class of 2023 Graduation: May 25, 2023
Important Dates for Seniors
PLEASE NOTE: All events are subject to change.
August 17, 2022 Paint the Rock; 6-Word Memoir; Senior Sunrise Pancake Breakfast
September 13 TPPA 12th Grade Parent Coffee
October 21, 2022 TPPA Senior Tailgate Lunch
December 2022 3# Project
January 13, 2023 Senior Yearbook Tribute Finished Design Due
February 13, 2023 Senior Skip Day
March 9 – 20, 2023 Spring Break
April 4, 2023 Senior Beach Day, Tradewinds Island Resort (not a parent event)
April 5, 2023 Senior Moms’ Luncheon at Tampa Yacht and Country Club
April 22, 2023 Prom at Maestro’s at the Straz Center
April 2023 Senior Internship Paperwork Due to Advisors
April 28, 2023 Last Day of Classes for Seniors (as long as all class requirements have been met)
April 28, 2023 Upper School Awards Grades 9-12/Societies Induction Ceremony
May 1 – 12, 2023 AP Exams
May 2023 Senior Internships
May 19, 2023 Senior Day/Yearbook Day/Rock the Lot
May 25, 2023 Graduation
Senior Year FAQ
» Senior Pictures
Seniors should have completed or at least booked their portrait session. If they have not, they should contact Studio Artistry as soon as possible, 813-873-7959.
» How do I place a Yearbook Tribute / Ad?
Click the Yearbook tab in this section of the portal for details.
» Graduation Announcements, I don’t have any, should I have already ordered them?
An option for ordering graduation announcements is Balfour. These may be ordered online through Balfour here and will be delivered to your home. Deadline is February 9, 2023 to avoid late fees and price increases. If you have questions please visit Balfour’s website for answers.
» How can I order a Tampa Prep class ring?
Your custom Tampa Prep class ring is available for online design. Go to this link: https://www.balfour.com/florida/tampa/tampa-preparatory-school and click on “shop all class rings.” Questions? Call the Balfour office at 727.546.3552 or email us at Scholastics@FloridaBalfour.com
» What is Senior Skip Day?
Seniors are not required to attend school. Instead this is a day for them to “legally” skip their classes. If Seniors would like to or need to attend school, they are welcome to attend. Senior Skip Day is typically the Monday after the SuperBowl (which will be Monday, February 13, 2023).
» What is Senior Beach Day?
In 2023, Senior Beach Day will be in April 4. Beach Day involves going to Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg to enjoy the beach and the amenities they have to offer. Students come to school for a typical school day starting at 8:50 and attendance will be taken. We will load up buses and head to Tradewinds where we will spend from 10:00am – 2:00pm. We will then load the buses up again and head back to school, arriving between 3:00 and 3:30pm. Lunch is provided. Students should bring anything they need for a day at the beach- sunscreen, towels, a hat, etc.
» Senior Moms’ Luncheon…. who, what, where?
This luncheon has become a popular tradition for the Senior moms and is a great opportunity to socialize and reminisce. The 2023 lunch will be held April 5 at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. This event is sponsored by TPPA, and organized by Junior parents. Dress is typically business casual.
» When is the Junior/Senior Prom?
This year the Prom will be held April 22, 2023 at Maestro’s at the Straz Center. As always, the Prom is for Juniors and Seniors. More details will be shared soon.
» When is the last day of classes for seniors?
April 28 is the last day of classes for seniors. If an AP class determines that class attendance is needed after April 28 the teacher will let the class know.
» AP Exams
AP Exams are scheduled for May 1 – 12, 2023 at Tampa Prep and students are registered for the exams by the school.
» What is Senior Day/Yearbook Day?
Senior Day/Yearbook Day will be held on May 19. Seniors begin the day by decorating their cars in the parking lot. They will practice for graduation, have an all-school cookout, watch the Yearbook slideshow and enjoy an all-school assembly where Seniors are announced and get called to the front.
» Senior Internships
Successful completion of the Senior Internship Program is a requirement of graduation. Starting in January, Seniors will be counseled through the process of finding and preparing for internships. Information about Senior Internships will be mailed home to families of Seniors in January. Seniors will also learn details about the program during class seminar time. The deadline for setting up the Internship is typically in mid-April. Exact date TBD. Ideally, Seniors should have committed to an internship earlier in the spring. The selection calendar (green sheets with calendar and sponsor information) should be turned into Senior Advisors by the deadline. Seniors will intern for a total of 70 hours (less 10 hours for each AP class being taken), Monday, May 1 – Thursday, May 18. Please talk with your Senior’s Advisor if more information is needed.
» Graduation
Graduation will be held May 25, 2023 at Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center. You can watch the 2023 Graduation Video Here
» When and where is Graduation?
Graduation will be held Thursday, May 25 at 4pm in the Carol Morsani Hall at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts which is located at 1010 N. WC MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602. Graduation ceremonies begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. Please be in your seat no later than 3:45 p.m.
» Do I need tickets to attend Graduation?
No, we do not issue tickets for this event.
» How many guests can I invite to attend Graduation?
There is no limit to the number of guests who can attend and there is no charge. Bring one, bring all!
» Graduation Cap, Tassel and Gown: should my child have them?
The seniors will be given their regalia during their final week at school in April. Please hang the gown up and air it out. The cap, gown, and tassel are yours to keep.
» What should Seniors wear to Graduation?
Beneath their gowns, girls typically wear nice skirts and blouses, dresses or a suit; boys typically wear a dress shirt and slacks – some will wear a tie and jacket. When they are in their gowns, the visible part of the outfit will be the shoes. No flip-flops or athletic shoes should be worn.
» What time should SENIORS arrive at Straz and where do they go?
SENIORS should park at Tampa Prep and walk across the bridge to get to Straz or pay to park in the William F. Poe Garage, 800 N. Ashley Drive. SENIORS should arrive at the big door under the awning located near the loading dock on MacInnes Place at Straz Center (on the east side of the Straz building) between 1:00 and 1:15 p.m. to begin Graduation practice. They should be fully dressed and ready for the Graduation ceremony. Pictures will be taken immediately upon arrival.
» When do the doors open for families and how are families seated at the Straz Center for Graduation?
The doors to the Straz Center Lobby will open at 3:00 p.m.. Doors to the Straz Theater will also open at 3:00 p.m.at which time you can choose your seat. Other than a number of front rows reserved for the ceremony, seating for Graduation is on a first come, first served basis. Ushers at the Straz Center will help seat everyone. We ask that you are in your seats no later than 3:45 p.m., fifteen minutes prior to 4:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m., the Seniors will process in.
» Is the Straz Center accessible to persons with disabilities?
Wheelchair accessible seating is available. A limited number of infrared listening system wireless headphones are available. Please go to the house management desk upon arrival to be issued the headphones.
» Where should we park for Graduation?
You should park as if you were going to any event at the Straz Center. There is street parking, parking garages and valet available. More details here.
» How long is the ceremony?
Historically, the Tampa Prep Graduation ceremony lasts for 90 minutes. The event will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. and should conclude at around 5:30 p.m.
» Can I livestream the event?
Yes, a livestream will be available for guests who are unable to attend. A recording of the ceremony will be accessible through the Tampa Prep website starting on the following day.
» Can my child decorate their cap?
Yes, graduates are permitted to tastefully decorate the tops of their caps. We do not permit any additional decorations on the gowns such as a corsage. The graduates will look great in their red gowns!
» Will any formal pictures be taken of my child?
Yes, we have hired Studio Artistry to take formal photos of every graduate in their gown holding a diploma.
» I have more questions, who do I contact? Please email Andrea Cafaro at acafaro@tampaprep.org or call 813-251-8481 x 4053 with any questions.