Where the Classroom Meets the Real World.
SailFuture Academy offers tuition-free education for qualifying families that combines rigorous academics with paid internships, student-run businesses, and transformative sailing expeditions that prepare students for real success.
Tampa Bay's only project-based high school designed around real work, real challenges, and real achievement.
Nationally Funded & Recognized By:
Empowering High School Students to Become Critical Thinkers, and Entrepreneurs
What if high school could be more than a waiting room for real life? At SailFuture Academy, students run actual businesses, complete paid internships, and sail 100-foot vessels across international waters—all while earning their diploma. This isn't theoretical preparation. It's genuine experience that builds both competence and confidence.
By graduation, our students possess what their peers are still preparing to seek: industry certifications, professional work experience, and a portfolio of actual achievements that stand out to colleges and employers alike.
Our Education Partners
Hands-On Practical Curriculum
High School Designed for the Real-World
We empower students to tackle real-world challenges from the start, transforming education into an exciting journey of discovery, achievement, and purpose.
- 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.
Our Curriculum
Fully Accredited Curriculum Where Theory Meets Practice
Entrepreneurship
Students launch and manage actual businesses, learning everything from financial planning and market analysis to pitching investors and managing operations. This isn't theoretical—it's building ventures that generate real revenue.
Maritime Leadership
Students master the fundamentals of maritime operations through hands-on training in sailing 420s, marine sciences, navigation, and seamanship. This progressive curriculum prepares them for international expeditions aboard our 100-foot vessel.
Design Lab
Students tackle complex building projects from concept to completion, working with real materials, managing budgets, and meeting deadlines.
Applied Mathematics
Math becomes immediately relevant as students use it for navigation calculations, business finances, project budgeting, and real estate analysis.
Communication & Writing
Students develop professional communication skills through business proposals, investor presentations, research papers, and workplace correspondence.
Social Emotional Intelligence
Beyond academics, students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills essential for workplace success through structured SEL curriculum and crew experiences.
Career Pathways
Rather than theoretical career exploration, students test-drive potential futures through internships, industry mentorships, and hands-on experience, graduating with clear plans and professional networks.
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
SCHOOL SITE REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is SailFuture Academy designed for?
SailFuture serves grades 8-12 students who learn best through hands-on experience. We're ideal for students who prefer doing over studying, those who've become disconnected from traditional education, and career-focused teens ready to jumpstart their professional future while still in high school.
- What is the admissions process?
Begin with an online application, schedule a campus tour, complete an untimed academic assessment (about one hour), and have a conversation with our team about goals and fit.
- How does financial aid work?
98% of our students receive financial aid based on household size, income, and assets. We're also an approved Step Up For Students scholarship provider. We work with qualifying families to make SailFuture accessible.
- Will my child be prepared for college?
Absolutely. Our graduates maintain strong college acceptance rates and often receive scholarships. Unlike traditional schools, students graduate with both a diploma AND real-world experience—including professional certifications, work experience, and portfolios that make them stand out.
- Is SailFuture Academy accredited? Will my child's credits transfer?
Yes, SailFuture Academy is a fully accredited private high school. Students earn a certified Florida Department of Education high school diploma. Our credits transfer seamlessly to other schools and are recognized by colleges and universities nationwide. We maintain the same academic standards required for college admission while adding real-world experience that makes our graduates stand out.
- Do you use traditional grades and GPAs?
Yes. Students receive traditional letter grades (A-F) and maintain a cumulative GPA that appears on official transcripts for college applications. While we also provide narrative evaluations and professionalism scores, your child will have the traditional academic records colleges expect—plus the added advantage of professional work experience, and a portfolio of real achievements.
- How is student performance evaluated?
Students receive traditional letter grades and GPAs. Final grades comprise 40% classwork, 30% professionalism scores (time management, effort, maturity), and 30% projects. We also provide detailed narrative evaluations. Our 70% passing requirement exceeds most public schools.
- Are the sailing expeditions mandatory?
Yes. Every student must complete a 7-week international sailing expedition as a graduation requirement. This transformative experience builds leadership and confidence in ways classroom learning cannot.
- How do internships and externships work?
Juniors complete paid internships two days per week with partner companies. Seniors complete year-long externships three days per week. Students gain professional experience while building their resumes and testing potential careers.
- What are the graduation requirements?
Students must achieve NWEA scores of 230+ in math and 225+ in reading, complete four internships plus a year-long externship, successfully finish our 7-week sailing expedition, develop a business plan thesis, and create a Personal Life Map for post-graduation success.
- What if my child isn't thriving in their current school?
Many of our most successful students struggled in traditional environments. Our hands-on approach engages different learning styles through practical projects. Students who felt disconnected often find their spark here because education becomes meaningful and relevant.
- Do you accept students with discipline records?
Yes. We evaluate each student individually and focus on their willingness to take responsibility and commit to growth. Past challenges don't define future potential.
- How do I apply?
Submit an inquiry form on our website. Our admissions team will contact you to schedule a campus tour and guide you through the process. Enrollment for 2025-2026 is open now with limited spots available.
Still have questions?
Contact us at admissions@sailfuture.org or 727-902-7846.