Does my child have to come to the program every day?
Students are expected to attend on a regular basis and stay until closing time in order to receive the full benefit of the program. Failure to maintain attendance requirements will result in termination from the program. If a student has three (3) consecutive days of unexcused absences, the Site Coordinator will contact the parent/guardian and the student will be placed in the inactive status with the student’s name at the bottom of the program waiting list. Students must attend school during the regular school day in order to attend the program. Students must report to the school cafeteria or the designated program area immediately upon school dismissal.

Reasons Accepted for Excused Absences

  • Personal illness/doctor’s appointment
  • Death of immediate family member
  • Religious holidays
Will my child be provided a snack while at the program?
Yes. Daily, students are provided a healthy and nutritious snack at no cost to the student/parent during the start of each program.
What are the program times and contact numbers?

During the school year, the programs times are after-school as follows:

Quail Hollow Elementary School

Phone: (813) 794-1180

Morning:  7:00am – 9:20am

Afternoon: 3:45pm-5:30pm

Gulf Highlands Elementary School

Phone: (727) 774-7792

Morning:  7:00am – 9:20am

Afternoon: 3:45pm-5:30pm

R.B. Cox Elementary School

Phone: (352) 524-5189

Morning:  7:00am – 9:20am

Afternoon: 3:45pm-5:30pm

What are the pick-up times for my child?
We want students to get the most out of the program and be present to engage in a variety of the activities available during program. We ask that students are not picked up until between the times of 5:15pm to 5:30pm. The program closes at promptly at 5:30pm.
Will my child receive help with his/her homework during the program?
While one-on-one tutoring is not provided, each program does have a certified teacher on staff along with highly-trained staff members that are available to assist all students with homework.
How much does the program cost?
There is no fee for participating students.

This is a free, grant-based program; however, the program expects that parents will:

  • Attend at least 2 parent night workshop sessions and special functions per year.
  • Keep the child’s records up to date.
  • Pick up their child on time.
  • Contact the Site Coordinator if the child will not be attending the program for three (3) or more consecutive days.
  • Be attentive of correspondence that come from our program
  • Contact the Site Coordinator about concerns related to their child or the program.
How can I enroll my child into the program?
Anyone interested in enrolling in a programs should contact the STAR Academy at the school of choice. You may all the Program Office directly or contact the Front Office at the school of choice to be transferred to the STAR Academy Office at that site. *Please note that during the Fall/Spring, your child must be a student in attendance at the school of choice for the STAR Academy Program.
Where do I obtain and return the registration packet?
Registration paperwork is available online at (CLICK HERE) or from any STAR Academy Office directly.
I do not see an answer to my question, how does one obtain more information?
Site Coordinator at the student’s school

PLACE Department office / 813-794-2298

PLACE Program Website