FAQs
Tarpon Springs Middle School - Frequently Asked Questions
Is before and after school care available?
Yes, the YMCA offers a before and after school program. Paperwork is available at the front office. See
http://www.ymcasuncoast.org/locations/pinellas-pasco-school-age-programs for more information.
Can I choose a teacher?
No, students will be placed in the classes based on availability to meet state requirements for classroom sizes.
Can I change a class if I don’t like it?
We will make corrections and adjustments the first two weeks of school; changes will not be permitted after that time.
What if my child has the same teacher twice a day, can they switch to another teacher?
If your child has a teacher more than once a day, we will do our best to try and adjust their schedule. This is not always an option
because of class size and schedule conflicts.
Is health available online?
Health class is not available online for 6th graders. Health is a requirement for students and can only be replaced if a student is
taking the gifted elective. Health is available for 8th grade students online through Pinellas Virtual.
What determines if my child is in intensive classes? Can my student choose to exempt an intensive class?
Students are placed into intensive classes based on low test scores and low grades. Intensive classes help students build skills they
currently are deficient in. State law mandates that students who do not meet the standardized test score requirements must take
the intensive class(es) regardless of preference.
What determines if my child is in advanced courses?
Students are placed into advanced courses based on higher test scores, higher grades, and teacher recommendation. Advanced
courses provide a more rigorous curriculum for students that may need a challenge.
What is the difference between advanced and Pre-Cambridge?
Pre-Cambridge classes are more rigorous than advanced courses. Only students that are accepted into TSMS’s Pre-Cambridge
Magnet program can take the Pre-Cambridge courses.
If my child is not good at one subject, does he/she have to take all the Pre-Cambridge courses?
One of the features of the Pre-Cambridge Program is that we can adapt it to fit the need of the student. If your child is not
comfortable taking a Pre-Cambridge class in a particular course, their schedule can be adjusted to put them in an appropriate level
class.
How do I apply to a TSMS magnet program?
You can apply to our Pre-Cambridge Program or our Leadership Conservatory for the Arts through the Pinellas County Schools
website. Please visit pcsb.org for more information about our magnet programs and for open enrollment dates.
Do I need to apply for the magnet program if TSMS is my zoned school?
Yes. In order to take part in either the Leadership Conservatory or Pre-Cambridge magnet program, you will need to apply online
through the district application process (please see pcsb.org).
Do I have to re-apply for the magnet program if I have already been accepted and am enrolled in one of the programs?
No, if you are a current Leadership Conservatory or Pre-Cambridge student, you will automatically remain in the program for the
following school year.
Is there a tryout for the dance class?
Yes, students will tryout to see what level of dance class best suits them.
How do I get a PE waiver? Can anyone waive PE?
PE waivers are available in grade level offices, as well as on the district website, pcsb.org. Students must meet qualifications in order
to waive PE, which includes: participation in a physical activity outside of the school day that meets or exceeds the mandated
requirements OR enrollment in another year-long class offered by the school. Each student wishing to waive PE will be determined
on an individual basis.
Is AVID available at TSMS?
Yes, AVID is available for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. AVID is an in-school academic college prep support program that prepares
students for college eligibility and success. First year AVID students are required to take one advanced course. Second year AVID
students are required to take two advanced courses. Please visit http://www.pcsb.org/domain/5124 for information about AVID.
What electives offered are High School credit for 7th graders?
We offer several elective classes that will provide our students with high school credit. The electives we offer for High School credit
are: Spanish 1, Spanish 2, and Information & Communication Technology.
How do I qualify for Algebra 1 Honors as a 7th grader?
Multiple factors will be taken into account, such as previous grades, standardized test scores, as well as an Algebra readiness
assessment that will be given at the end of 6th grade.
My child does not have any experience in the fine arts, how can I know if he/she will be successful?
Tarpon Springs Middle School believes that all students have the capacity to participate and find success in the fine arts. No prior
experience is necessary.
Will transportation be provided to the Tarpon Springs Middle School Leadership Conservatory for the Arts? Yes, all magnet
students will receive transportation to Tarpon Springs Middle School unless they are within the two mile radius.
Are students required to take the Leadership Classes every year in middle school? Conservatory students are required to take the
6th grade leadership course for one semester. 7th grade and 8th grade students are strongly encouraged to participate in the
Leadership Focus Classes. These leadership classes can be waived in 7th or 8th grade in certain situations. It is suggested that a
conference with guidance be set up to discuss your student’s options.
Are Leadership Conservatory students required to participate in activities outside of the regular school day? Yes, each fine arts
discipline includes various performances, exhibitions or other activities that happen outside of regular school hours. The amount of
activities varies among our different Conservatory programs. Most of these activities will count towards the student’s grade.
If my child is in the Tarpon Springs Middle School Leadership Conservatory for the Arts, does that mean they will automatically be
accepted into The Leadership Conservatory for the Arts at Tarpon High School? Students are not guaranteed a seat in The
Leadership Conservatory for the Arts at Tarpon Springs High School. However, they will be highly qualified for any high school
magnet programs by participating our program at Tarpon Springs Middle School.
What will my student learn through the Leadership curriculum used by the Tarpon Springs Middle School Leadership
Conservatory for the Arts? Our curriculum sets a foundation for the understanding and development of the characteristics of a
leader. The knowledge is crucial for our students as they learn to apply these characteristics in their own experiences inside and
outside of school. The curriculum also helps the student start to evaluate how their experiences, perceptions and knowledge affect
the type of leader they become. The program strives to help students develop the ability to be a creative, positive leader and team
player. The curriculum we are using is called Everyday Leadership in Teens. You can view more information about this program and
view a sample of the resources at: http://www.freespirit.com/catalog/item_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=482