July 9, 2025

Pepin Academies Celebrates 25th Anniversary Milestone

News Summary

Pepin Academies, a not-for-profit charter school in Tampa, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a festive event. The school, which serves students with learning disabilities, has grown significantly since its inception, now operating three campuses and graduating over 1,000 students. The celebration honored staff, alumni, and the community with various activities, showcasing the school’s dedication to empowering students through supportive educational programs.

TAMPA, FL – Pepin Academies is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as it marks its 25th anniversary since opening its doors in 1999. Founded as a not-for-profit, tuition-free independent public charter school, Pepin Academies serves students in grades 3 through 12 and offers a transition program for students aged 18-22. The school is dedicated to empowering students with learning disabilities through individualized instruction, career readiness programs, and extracurricular activities.

The anniversary celebration took place on May 3 at the Egypt Shriners Event Center, attracting around 200 attendees, including current and former staff members, alumni, and community members. The event featured a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby, dancing to live music, a photo booth, a silent auction, and presentations that honored Pepin Academies’ impactful legacy in the community.

Over its 25 years of operation, Pepin Academies has made significant strides in providing education tailored to unique student needs. The school has graduated more than 1,000 high school students, helping many who once faced graduation challenges to achieve their educational goals. Today, the school has expanded from its humble beginning with just 17 students to three campuses located in Tampa, Riverview, and New Port Richey, now serving nearly 1,150 students.

One of the key aspects of Pepin Academies is its innovative therapeutic model, which incorporates necessary interventions throughout the school day. Led by Executive Director Dr. Jeff Skowronek, the school emphasizes support for students academically, socially, and emotionally. With a graduation rate of 92%, Pepin Academies surpasses the national average for students with exceptionalities.

Comprehensive Support Services

The teaching staff at Pepin Academies is well-equipped to support their students’ diverse needs, holding certifications in both their subject areas and exceptional student education (ESE). Each campus is supplemented with mental health counselors, language pathologists, and administrative personnel to assist families in navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The school focuses on maintaining smaller class sizes, with approximately 15 students per teacher, and offers various seating options to ensure comfort and accessibility.

Vocational and Life Skills Training

Pepin Academies places a strong emphasis on vocational programs and life skills training to prepare students for future employment opportunities. The school has established partnerships with local businesses to offer transitional opportunities, helping students gain practical skills needed for the workforce. This commitment to career readiness is a vital aspect of Pepin Academies’ mission to recognize and nurture the unique potential of each student.

Looking Ahead

As it looks forward to the next 25 years, Pepin Academies aims to continue its legacy of learning, inclusion, and empowerment. Leadership at the school, including Chief Operating Officer Monica Perez, is dedicated to placing student happiness, health, and success at the forefront of its mission. Pepin Academies strives to be an enduring source of support for students with learning disabilities and their families.

For additional information on enrollment, programs, and support opportunities, interested parties can visit Pepin Academies’ official website.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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