Company name

SailFuture Academy Private High School

Premier Career Preparatory High School

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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.

Total Enrollment
200
Grades Served
8th - 12th
Financial Aid Support
100%

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.

“The SailFuture Academy is a technical high school that prepares students to graduate into business owners and operators.”

Michael Long, Executive Director
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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.
Studnets complete a capstone business plan thesis for a business of their choice and present to a panel of investors.

“Our student run enterpises are the perfect way to teach students about business in a practical, hands-on and engaging way. Our students work 'behind the scenes' on all of the business fundamentals including: finances, project management, human resources, marketing, business development, and more.”

Hunter Thompson, Chief Operations Officer
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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.

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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 & Employer Partner Testimonials

Hear from the parents and families who know us best

“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.”

Callin Harper
Student Parent

“My kids have thrived in the hands-on learning environment that is fostered at the SailFuture Academy. ”

Ryan Collins
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

“One of the most underrated high schools in the St. Pete community. Hard to believe that my child has the experience to travel the world on a 100' sailboat as part of his school experience with no cost to our family.”

Arianna Despora
Student Parent

“This academy is simply incredible! My wife and I have 2 kids that attend, and they are both thriving. The teachers are top notch and amazing. We are truly blessed to have our kids go there, and they love being there!”

John Clark
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.”

Samuel Simmons
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.”

Sarah Washburn
Student Parent

Interested in enrolling your child at the SailFuture Academy?

We are currently enrolling for the upcoming school year. Limited spaces and scholarships are available. Click below to complete our enrollment application form and schedule a campus tour.

Enroll Now
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ACADEMY POLICIES

Key Policies & Procedures

The SailFuture Academy values the worth and dignity, and equal opportunity of every person. We pride ourselves on building a campus culture and community that cultivates trust, respect, and integrity across all students, faculty, and administrative staff.

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Prevention Read More

Reporting Misconduct & Child Abuse or Neglect Read More

Contact Us

Questions about admission, academics, or scholarships? Feel free to call us anytime. We'd love to hear from you.


+1 (727) 209-7846

admissions@sailfuture.org

School Information

SailFuture Academy is a co-ed, year-round school designed to immediately bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. The SailFuture Academy is located in Saint Petersburg, Florida at 2154 27th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.


2154 27th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm

Recent News

SailFuture Teaching Life Skills through Sailing

SailFuture Academy is a free, private school in Florida that teaches disadvantaged youth life skills including the art of sailing.

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Good Morning America

Free private High School Empowers Students

The program will focus on giving students career skills in a real-life environment.

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The Weekly Challenger

National nonprofit ‘pressure-tests’ innovative education choice programs in Florida and beyond

A more recent project is SailFuture Academy, a St. Petersburg foster care agency that is opening a vocational high school this fall for lower-income who have become disengaged in traditional high school settings.

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ReImagine Education

Tiny private school aims to boost struggling Pinellas teens

The program will focus on giving students career skills in a real-life environment.

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Tampa Bay Times

SailFuture Academy moves into New Building

A project-based high school serving underprivileged students in Pinellas County is enrolling students for its first year in a new building, starting this fall.

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WTSP Tampa Bay

SailFuture opens historic Norwood School, prepares youth for success

SailFuture serves teens throughout the St. Petersburg community, and with the purchase and recent redevelopment of the historic Norwood Elementary School, the innovative organization is better equipped to prepare kids for success as adults.

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St. Pete Catalyst