Academy Prep Center of Tampa Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY FOR NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS TO BECOME FUTURE COMMUNITY LEADERS THROUGH A RIGOROUS MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COUPLED WITH ONGOING GRADUATE SUPPORT.
- Income
- $3.9 million
- Spending
- $3.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 83%
- Reserves
- 22.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 69%
- Employees
- 41
- Volunteers
- 185
- Highest pay
- $261,336, head of school
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 22.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 2% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 2% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1583% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2521 of 21 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $3.1 million spent. ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF TAMPA IS A RIGOROUS PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS IN TAMPA, FLORIDA. ACADEMY PREP PROVIDES AN EXEMPLARY COLLEGE PREPARATORY MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION THAT INCLUDES EXTENDED DAYS, WEEKS, AND SCHOOL YEARS COUPLED WITH A WIDE ARRAY OF ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES. THROUGH OUR GRADUATE SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM, ACADEMY PREP CONTINUES TO SUPPORT OUR GRADUATES IN HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND INTO THEIR CAREERS, ENSURING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS INTO EACH PHASE OF THEIR LIVES. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)ACADEMY PREP STUDENTS ATTEND SCHOOL UP TO 11 HOURS A DAY, 6 DAYS A WEEK, 11 MONTHS A YEAR, WITH CLASSES OF APPROXIMATELY 20 STUDENTS OR LESS. ACADEMY PREP OFFERS A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF DEMANDING ACADEMICS AND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES THAT OFFER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. IN ADDITION TO RIGOROUS EDUCATION IN ENGLISH, MATH, HISTORY, AND SCIENCE, ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CHESS, ART, MUSIC, AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES WEEKLY AS IMPORTANT PARTS OF THEIR ACADEMIC SCHEDULE. SEVENTH AND EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS ARE ADDITIONALLY REQUIRED TO TAKE SPANISH CLASSES AS PART OF THEIR GRADED ACADEMIC COURSEWORK, GIVING THEM TWO YEARS OF LANGUAGE FAMILIARITY AS THEY HEAD INTO HIGH SCHOOL. OVER 40 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ARE OFFERED TO ACADEMY PREP STUDENTS EVERY AFTERNOON AS PART OF THEIR SCHOOL DAY, INCLUDING GOLF, CHESS, MUSIC, CHOIR, DANCE, GARDENING, DRAMA, YOGA, ROBOTICS, JOURNALISM, MARTIAL ARTS, AND COOKING. ADDITIONALLY, STUDENTS SPEND SATURDAYS ON FIELD TRIPS THAT INCLUDED KAYAKING AND NATURE EXPLORATION, VISITS TO ART, SCIENCE, AND HISTORY MUSEUMS, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE.COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS PROVIDE POSITIVE ROLE MODELS IN THE CLASSROOM AND FACILITATE ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES THAT CONNECT ACADEMY PREP STUDENTS TO THE DYNAMIC AND DIVERSE TAMPA BAY COMMUNITY. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IS ALSO AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT - 40 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE PER FAMILY IS REQUIRED ANNUALLY.THE ACADEMY PREP MODEL ACHIEVES OUTSTANDING RESULTS. ACADEMY PREP STUDENTS SHOW SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ACADEMIC ABILITY THROUGH THEIR ACADEMY PREP YEARS. MOST ENTER AT OR LESS THAN GRADE LEVEL IN MATH AND READING. BY GRADUATION, 8TH GRADERS ARE SCORING AHEAD OF GRADE LEVEL IN MATH AND READING ON NATIONAL ASSESSMENT TESTS. 99% OF ACADEMY PREP GRADUATES HAVE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL ON TIME. 85% OF OUR GRADUATES HAVE GONE ON TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION, AND 5% ARE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES.DUE TO OUR UNIQUE MODEL OF OFFERING FREE TUITION TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, WE DEPEND ALMOST ENTIRELY ON OUR DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS TO COVER OPERATING EXPENSES. OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS BRING IN APPROXIMATELY $1,200,000 IN REVENUE AND OFFER EXPOSURE FOR OUR ORGANIZATION TO 1,000+ DONORS IS CRITICAL DUE TO OUR ABSENCE OF A PARENT TUITION BASE. THE ROLE OF THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT EXTENDS FAR BEYOND FUNDRAISING. AT ACADEMY PREP, DEVELOPMENT ENCOMPASSES ALL EVENT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, AS WELL AS THE CULTIVATION OF MAJOR AND CAPITAL GIFTS, REQUIRING FRONT-END INVESTMENTS TO ACHIEVE LONG-TERM BENEFITS. WE EXPECT TO REALIZE THESE BENEFITS IN FUTURE YEARS.ACADEMY PREP'S GRADUATES ARE THE BEST EXAMPLES OF THE SCHOOL'S SUCCESS IN TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF YOUNG, ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS. OUR GRADUATES ARE SERVING AS COMMUNITY LEADERS AND WORKING HARD AS THEY STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE. FOR EXAMPLE, ONE OF OUR STUDENTS FROM THE ACADEMY PREP CLASS OF 2007 ATTENDED HIGH SCHOOL AT BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA IN 2015. HE WENT ON TO LAW SCHOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LEVIN COLLEGE OF LAW AND WORKED AS A SUMMER ASSOCIATE IN 2017 AT A MAJOR LAW FIRM IN TAMPA. HE HAS SINCE PASSED THE BAR AND CURRENTLY PRACTICES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LAW AT A PRESTIGIOUS LAW FIRM.ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE IS AN ACADEMY PREP GRADUATE FROM THE CLASS OF 2007 WHO WENT ON TO ATTEND HIGH SCHOOL AT TAMPA PREP AND GRADUATED FROM AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE IN GEORGIA IN MAY 2015, WHERE SHE MAJORED IN PHILOSOPHY AND MINORED IN WOMEN'S STUDIES. SHE STAYED VERY BUSY THROUGHOUT COLLEGE, COMPLETING INTERNSHIPS AT CHILD CARE AWARE OF AMERICA, VOICES FOR GEORGIA'S CHILDREN, AND THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTES. SHE INTERNED AT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN IN WASHINGTON, D.C. HER PROFESSIONAL GOALS ARE TO HELP UNDERREPRESENTED WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN AREAS OF POLICY AND GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY. AFTER GAINING MORE WORKING EXPERIENCE, SHE HOPES TO RETURN TO SCHOOL TO STUDY LAW AND COMPLETE A MASTER'S IN PUBLIC POLICY.ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE IS AN ACADEMY PREP GRADUATE FROM THE CLASS OF 2009, WHO WENT ON TO ATTEND CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL (CLASS OF 2013), THEN FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE SHE GRADUATED IN 2016 WITH HER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FAMILY AND CHILD SCIENCES AND A MINOR IN EDUCATION. SHE RECEIVED THE WOMAN OF SPIRITUALITY AWARD FOR HER PASSION FOR SERVING OTHERS, MADE THE DEAN'S LIST TWICE, AND RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION. IN 2019, SHE EARNED A MASTER'S DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. SHE STILL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TAMPA AND WITH ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS COMMUNITY TAMPA BAY AND THE DREAM CENTER. IN THE FALL OF 2021, SHE BEGAN PURSUING A DOCTOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, FROM WHERE SHE EXPECTS TO GRADUATE IN 2024. SHE CREDITS ACADEMY PREP FOR HER DRIVE TO SERVE OTHERS, SAYING, "I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ITS IMPACT UNTIL I ATTENDED ACADEMY PREP."ANOTHER ONE OF OUR GRADUATES CAME TO US WHILE IN FOSTER CARE AND LIVING IN A GROUP HOME. SHE GRADUATED FROM ACADEMY PREP IN 2011, WENT ON TO CHATHAM HALL, A PRIVATE BOARDING SCHOOL IN CHATHAM, VIRGINA, ON FULL SCHOLARSHIP, AND IS CURRENTLY STUDYING COMPUTER SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. SHE WAS ACCEPTED INTO A COVETED AND HIGHLY COMPETITI
- $59,044 spent. GRADUATE SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ACADEMY PREP STUDENTS AND GRADUATES THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AS THEY BECOME LEADERS AND BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY INTO WHICH SO MANY WERE BORN. CLOSE SUPPORT AND COUNSELING ARE PROVIDED WHILE STUDENTS ARE IN OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM, AND THEY INCLUDE EMPHASIZING POSITIVE LIFE CHOICES, A COLLEGE-GOING CULTURE, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIFE GOALS WHILE ENSURING STUDENTS MASTER ACADEMIC AND ENRICHMENT COURSES AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)BEFORE GRADUATING FROM ACADEMY PREP, STUDENTS DEVELOP EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER GOALS AND ARE THEN MATCHED WITH PRIVATE COLLEGE PREPARATORY, LOCAL, AND BOARDING SCHOOLS AND ADVANCED PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS. GRADUATE SUPPORT MONITORS THEIR PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THEIR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE ENROLLMENTS, ENSURING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS AND OUTCOMES.GRADUATE SUPPORT'S FOCUS ON CURRENT ACADEMY PREP STUDENTS IS PRIMARILY ON THE 7TH AND 8TH GRADE CLASSES AND ENSURING THAT EACH STUDENT APPLIES TO, IS ACCEPTED INTO, AND RECEIVES FUNDING FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL BEST SUITED FOR THE STUDENT - WHETHER LOCAL PRIVATE PREPARATORY SCHOOLS, LOCAL MAGNET OR IB PROGRAMS OR BOARDING SCHOOLS. GRADUATE SUPPORT ALSO PROVIDES THE ACADEMY PREP 8TH GRADE CLASS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND A WEEKLY CLASS, WHICH TEACHES STUDENTS LIFE LESSONS, LIKE INTERVIEWING SKILLS, DINING AND DRESSING ETIQUETTE, TIME MANAGEMENT, AND LEADERSHIP.GRADUATE SUPPORT SERVES ACADEMY PREP GRADUATES IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BY CLOSELY MONITORING THEIR ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND HELPING TO ADDRESS ANY CHALLENGES IN THEIR ACADEMIC OR PERSONAL LIVES TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL AND MATRICULATE INTO COLLEGE. GRADUATE SUPPORT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE STAFF VISITS TO ACADEMY PREP GRADUATES OF HIGH SCHOOL AGE EACH YEAR, INCLUDING STUDENTS ENROLLED IN BOARDING SCHOOLS, ALLOWING ACADEMY PREP STAFF TO MONITOR STUDENT PROGRESS, SERVE AS MENTORS, AND SUPPORT STUDENTS IN THEIR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENDEAVORS BY ATTENDING SPORTING EVENTS, HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS, AND AWARD AND GRADUATION CEREMONIES.THE ACADEMY PREP GRADUATE SUPPORT PROGRAM OFFERS OTHER SERVICES TO OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, SUCH AS FREE SAT/ACT PREP COURSES, FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINARS, FAFSA/FINANCIAL AID SEMINARS, VOLUNTEER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES, COLLEGE APPLICATION ASSISTANCE, COLLEGE TOURS, AND RESUME WORKSHOPS. SUPPORT CONTINUES THROUGHOUT COLLEGE, AS GRADUATE SUPPORT ASSISTS WITH NAVIGATING THE REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL AID PROCESSES, ASSISTS OUR STUDENTS IN MOVING INTO DORMS, AND HELPS CONNECT STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THEIR COLLEGE YEARS.THROUGHOUT THE CONTINUUM OF SUPPORT, GRADUATE SUPPORT IS CAPABLE OF LENDING STUDENTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WHEN NEEDS AND BARRIERS APPEAR. GRADUATE SUPPORT PROGRAM ASSISTS WITH ANCILLARY EDUCATIONAL COSTS SUCH AS TECHNOLOGY NEEDS, TRAVEL, UNIFORMS, AND TESTING COSTS, AND INTERVIEW CLOTHING.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 2000.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.