20051209 - TAMPA - Ryan Robinson (right) and Kendrick Mention goof
around after school on the grounds of Academy Prep while waiting to be
picked up. The school opened in 2003, accepting only 15 girls and 15
boys from the inner city. Mostly minority, all eligible for free and
reduced lunch. The idea: to set the expectations high for these kids
and give them the support to excel. College prep schooling with no
price tag. Schooldays start at 7:15 a.m.; end 6 p.m. The first 30
students are now in 7th grade. The school has 30 per grade minus
whomever leaves: 5th, 6th and 7th. Next year they'll max out with 8th
grade. (Brian Cassella / St. Petersburg Times)
