Student-Focused Magnet Tracks
Ability-Targeted Academic Tracks
Honors, Dual Enrollment, and Advance Placement
Advanced Coursework
Many courses at Keystone Prep are offered at an Honors level. We also have agreements with Hillsborough Community College, Pasco-Hernando Community College, and the University of South Florida for Dual Enrollment courses. These courses are appropriate for the general population of students, students with or without learning differences, and gifted students. Additionally, Keystone Prep High School is a testing site for SAT, ACT, and others.
Florida Access Points
Modified Reading and Math Access Points
Keystone Prep High School also offers modified courses for students needing additional support in Reading or Mathematics which follow Florida Access Points standards. Students enrolled in these courses are able to pick a magnet track for elective courses. This is a hybrid program where students receive modifications to the curriculum in academic areas of need that are administered by our ESE team.
General Education
General Education Coursework
Most courses fall under the General Education umbrella. Students with accommodations can access these courses and they are appropriate for the general population of students, students with or without learning disabilities, and gifted students, but they are not be modified for students with intellectual disabilities.
Problem-Based Learning: Problem-based learning is an educational approach where students learn by actively engaging with real-world, complex problems that are short-term in duration and small in scope. Instead of passively receiving information, students work in groups to investigate the problem, analyze information, and develop solutions. This process fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-directed learning.
Project-Based Learning: Project-based learning is an educational approach where students learn by actively engaging in real-world, complex projects that often involve problem-solving and collaboration. These projects are long-term in duration, but still small in scope. Instead of traditional lectures and rote memorization, students delve into projects that require them to investigate, design, and create solutions to authentic challenges. This method fosters deeper understanding, develops crucial 21st-century skills, and prepares students for future academic and career success.
Interdisciplinary Projects: Interdisciplinary projects involve integrating knowledge and perspectives from two or more academic disciplines to address a complex issue or solve a problem. These projects encourage collaboration, innovation, and a deeper understanding of how different fields relate to one another. These are woven into our Problem-Based or Project-Based models.
Thematic Curriculum: A thematic curriculum organizes learning around a central theme or idea, integrating various subjects and activities to create a more cohesive and engaging educational experience. Instead of teaching subjects in isolation, it connects different areas of knowledge through a unifying theme, fostering deeper understanding and making learning more relevant to students’ lives. At Keystone Prep High School these Themes are our Crime Scene Investigation, Mission Control, and Visual Arts & Design Magnets.
Portfolio Assessments: Portfolio assessment is a method of evaluating student learning by gathering and assessing a collection of their work over time, showcasing their progress and achievements. It’s a valuable alternative to traditional assessments like exams, allowing for a more comprehensive view of a student’s learning journey and development.
Field Trips: Part of our Multi-Track Magnet Program incorporates discipline-specific field trips for all grade levels, once a semester. These trips are age-appropriate and vary depending on the course and grade that the student is in. Additionally, these trips are part of the curriculum of the course they are offered in so that all students can participate in, and enjoy the experience. Below is a sampling of a few of the field trips we offer at Keystone Prep High School.
An Interdisciplinary Project-Based Curriculum
At Keystone Prep High School, we believe an interdisciplinary approach creates exciting learning opportunities which ensures all students become active participants in our project-based educational model. This includes scientific dissections, rocketry experiments, archaeological digs, analyzing artifact remains and environmental components, exploring styles of art and applying real-world mathematical concepts. Students learn how to apply knowledge situationally and to reflect on the world around them.
Accommodations
KPHS provides specific accommodations based on a student’s unique needs. Our staff uses IEPs, 504s and psychological educational evaluations to determine how those accommodations should be administered and applied in the classroom setting. Built into our educational model in every classroom are the following accommodations: small class size, extended time, preferential seating, and a variety of assessment formats.
Student-Focused Magnet Tracks
Keystone Prep offers a highly engaging High School education.. We welcome learners from all backgrounds and provide three tracks of course study so our students can individualize their education. These are:
1) CSI: Odessa – blending of the arts and sciences to enable students to develop a deeper understanding of the human condition
2) Mission Control: Odessa – a program that focuses on advanced science and math courses to solve problems of working in Space
3) Visual Arts and Design: Odessa – offers students who desire to be lifelong artists the opportunity to focus on a variety of art options based on student interests. The Capstone course will be an Art Portfolio.
Florida Virtual
Keystone Prep High School has partnered with Florida Virtual School to increase the electives we can offer for our students, such as Driver’s Ed and American Sign Language. An FLVS Coordinator is in direct contact with our KPHS facilitator to properly monitor the progress of our students. This program allows our students to have additional support and reinforcements in their independent learning environment.
Criteria to Graduate
At KPHS, we offer the Florida Department of Education 24-course requirement diploma. Within these requirements, we offer Honors credit, and Dual-Enrollment options through Hillsborough Community College, Pasco-Hernando College, and University of South Florida. We prepare students for the Bright Futures scholarship and provide credit recovery when necessary. We also have Access Point courses for Reading and Mathematics. In addition, we are equipped to provide additional educational options for students past the typical four years or accelerate a student to help them graduate early.
Tutoring
When the need arises that a KPHS student requires additional support, our teachers are our first line of defense. Always eager to help further explain their lessons, our teaching staff has dedicated time each day when they can be accessed by a student in need. Our guidance department is also willing to lend a hand if extra support is needed. In addition, KPHS works closely with Hillsborough County Public Schools to serve those students who may receive either Title I tutoring or support services through the Parentally Placed Private School Students (PPPSS) program.