Tampa, Fla. April 5, 2023 – Focus Academy’s Principal, Elisabeth Kraft-Radka, shared today, that Hillsborough County Superintendent Addison Davis and the School Board unanimously voted to renew Focus Academy’s contract as a charter school for five more years.

During the review process, the board recognized Focus Academy’s exceptional staff, high attendance records, and student-teacher relationships.

“I found my visit to Focus to be a great visit. The teachers and staff are working extremely hard to make this school the best it can possibly be for their students,” said District 2 Board Member Dr. Stacy Hahn.

Focus Academy’s commitment to fostering an environment that is fun-loving, inviting, and valuable for those with cognitive or developmental disabilities is evident through their high attendance records. It was noted during the meeting that the staff’s passion is what largely contributes to this success.

District 6 Board Member Karen Perez shared, “One of the things Focus Academy does right is getting students in school. It is important to have positive attendance and Focus Academy does this phenomenally.”

Focus Academy has been consistent in making its students a priority. “The staff has a passion for making sure that the students are taken care of and loved,” said District 3 Board Member Jessica Vaughn.

Vaughn also noted that she is interested in tracking the school’s progress since they’ve expanded so quickly. Focus Academy leadership and staff are thrilled to see what is in store for the future.

District 4 Board Member Patti Rendon said, “Per my on-site visit, I was impressed with the time and attention to time grade reflection. For example, a third-grade student with significant disabilities may be at a kindergarten or first-grade level; however, it doesn’t mean they don’t have the same abilities that all other students have. They just get there differently and Focus Academy levels the playing field.”

According to Kraft-Radka, this is an exciting time for Focus Academy as they just expanded the middle school program and launched a new vision, mission and website last year. Focus Academy values academic excellence for students to thrive in any environment, and in doing so, they focus on creating an atmosphere that is centered around positivity, connection, and feelings of value. “It’s Where Education Meets Life,” Kraft-Radka said.