Historic Black educational institution in Tampa transitions to microschool model.

The brick edifice of St. Peter Claver Catholic School, a significant landmark at the northern edge of downtown Tampa, has served as a center of education for 95 years. Built in 1894, this historic school has educated over 2,500 students, predominantly from the local Black community, who attended during a time when educational opportunities for Black children were severely limited. Evelyn Wilson, among its notable alumni, attended from 1935 to 1947 and reflects on the school’s lasting impact.

The neighborhood surrounding St. Peter Claver has undergone considerable transformation. With the removal of a nearby public housing complex, the school now faces a backdrop of new developments, including mixed-income and luxury apartments. Yet, the changing landscape poses challenges for St. Peter Claver, as its enrollment has plummeted to less than half of its ideal capacity, prompting concerns about potential closure earlier this year.

In response to these challenges, St. Peter Claver is adopting a microschooling model, a strategy gaining traction both nationally and throughout Florida. This approach aims to revitalize the school by offering smaller class sizes that allow for more personalized instruction. Starting next academic year, the institution plans to implement this model, fostering greater attention and individualized support for its remaining students. Principal John Davidson, who took up his post less than a year ago, expresses optimism about pioneering this educational approach.

The rise in microschools is partly attributed to recent legislative changes in Florida that relax zoning restrictions for private schools, permitting unconventional spaces like performing venues and libraries to operate as educational facilities for small groups of students. St. Peter Claver currently enrolls near 100 students, many from low-income backgrounds, and strives to be the state’s first Catholic microschool following approval from the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

The Diocese supports St. Peter Claver financially and operationally, having provided over 0,000 in assistance this year alone. This backing is crucial, as it bridges the gap between tuition and available state scholarships, thus making education more accessible for families who may struggle to afford it.

In conjunction with their curricular innovations, St. Peter Claver is seeking classroom sponsors to ensure that essential resources like student uniforms and field trips remain available, an approach widely utilized among other microschools. Davidson notes that they are establishing a model well-suited to their unique context.

Educational experts, such as Nicole Stewart-Jones, who founded a microschool in Lakeland, emphasize that the personalized, community-driven nature of microschools can significantly benefit students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Data indicate that Black fourth-graders in Florida public schools scored an average of 23 points lower than their white peers in reading assessments last year, underscoring the urgent need for tailored educational interventions.

The history of St. Peter Claver mirrors its ability to adapt and thrive amid adversity. Initially opening in 1894 with just 16 students, the school faced a devastating arson attack shortly thereafter but was quickly rebuilt. Throughout its 129 years, the institution has navigated various challenges, including demographic shifts and economic downturns, while remaining committed to its mission of educating the local community.

As St. Peter Claver Catholic School embarks on its new microschooling journey, it aims not only to preserve its rich legacy but also to enhance its educational offering, ensuring that future generations of children receive the high-quality education that has been its hallmark since the late 19th century.