The SailFuture Academy
SailFuture Academy is a tuition-free career preparatory high school that leverages project-based learning and paid apprenticeships to prepare students for the real world.
At the SailFuture Academy, students engage in a unique educational experience where learning is deeply intertwined with real-world application.
Students partake in student-led businesses, earn money with paid internships and work-based experiences, and immerse themselves in project-based, thematic coursework designed to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The curriculum, devoid of homework and standardized tests, offers practical experiences across Business, Design Thinking, Social Emotional Learning, Math, English, Career Exploration, and Maritime, ensuring students are not confined to traditional classroom settings.
Upon graduation, students not only earn a certified Department of Education high school diploma but also certifications, working experience, and a comprehensive portfolio showcasing four years of work. In addition to the rigorous coursework, students participate in a series of signature educational experiences from writing their own business plan thesis, to traveling internationally on a 7-week sailing expedition.
Our Education Partners
Hands-On Practical Curriculum
High School Designed for the Real-World
We place students in the driver’s seat to solve real world problems from the moment they step foot on campus in order to re-engage and re-inspire students who have become disconnected from their high school experience.
- Graduates earn a certified Department of Education high school diploma, certifications, work experience, and a comprehensive portfolio.
- Students gain practical experiences in Business, Design Thinking, SEL, Applied Math, English, Career Exploration, and Maritime, beyond traditional classroom settings.
- Our holistic approach fosters work ethic, time management, maturity, and pride in work, preparing students for future careers or academic pursuits.
- Students engage in student-led businesses, paid internships, work-based experiences, and project-based coursework to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Signature Experiences
Signature Educational Experiences
SailFuture Academy's distinctive educational approach includes signature experiences and key graduation requirements, ensuring students engage in unique, practical learning opportunities and meet essential academic and experiential milestones before earning their diploma.
- Students participate in community service projects, applying leadership and communication skills to help those in need.
- Hands-on internships offer real-world work exposure aligned with students career interests.
- Students explore colleges and businesses, gaining insights into career paths and real-world applications of their studies.
- Extended apprenticeship program develops specialized skills over a year.
- 7-week sailing journey to destinations like Antigua and Nova Scotia fosters self-worth, work ethic, and broadens world experiences.
- Students define post-graduation goals and plan for budgeting, saving, insurance, transportation, and more for real-world success.
- Students complete a capstone business plan thesis for a business of their choice and present to a panel of investors.
Sailing Expeditions
Travel the world and discover yourself.
At SailFuture Academy, sailing expeditions are central to our educational approach, offering an immersive experience that combines adventure, learning, and personal growth.
Over the course of 7 weeks, students and teachers journey to unique and often remote parts of the world, forging lasting relationships and sharing life-changing experiences.
Regarded as a transformative 'rite-of-passage,' every SailFuture Academy student is required to complete a sailing expedition prior to graduation, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of ‘real-world’ post-graduation.
OUR SCHOOL REVIEWS
Rated As One of the Top Private High Schools in St. Petersburg
Discover an exceptional education experience that goes beyond academics. Our dedicated faculty, innovative programs, and supportive community create an environment where students thrive and succeed.
Parent Reviews
“This school has been a saving grace for my son! Since being at SailFuture Academy he has not only started to grow socially but in his education, he is actually buying in. He tells me how he loves the more hands on approach that he is receiving in the school and that he is actually learning things because he is getting more one-on-one attention.”
Ryan Collins
Student Parent
“My child has enjoyed this program since the day she stepped on campus. She is fully immersed in her maritime lab and enjoys learning Math and Science through construction. Her ambition is to become a business owner. She has classes in business, marketing, and communications that are helping her prepare for that goal. I'm so grateful that we found SailFuture for her.”
Callin Harper
Student Parent
“This program has helped my son come out of his shell. He was quiet and withdrawn when he started. Now he seems happier and has gained his self esteem. Thank you Sailfuture.”
Arianna Despora
Student Parent
“This administration and teachers really focus on building a strong partnership between parents and teachers. I am so grateful for the effort they are putting into my kid's development. Their patience and commitment towards my child's improvement are really commendable.”
Diedrea Doyley
Student Parent
