Playing With Purpose
Playing golf is a key ingredient in our nontraditional education program, where students grow in character, life skills, and academics. The game of golf does not require unusual size, speed, or strength for excellence. The sport does, however, require personal discipline, diligence, concentration, honesty, humility, and tenacity. Above all, golf teaches us that no matter what obstacles we encounter, there’s always a way to come out on top.
Living Classrooms
Through the Academy's Shadow Program our students spend time with adults in every department of the Golf Club and the Youth Foundation. We call these opportunities our living classrooms. While learning and performing various jobs, students apply basic educational skills like business, math, and reading in a real-life setting. Learning comes to life as students interact with education beyond the classroom.
Supportive Environment
In addition to our living classrooms, students thrive in a small-school atmosphere where they receive individual attention, counseling, student services, and specialized instructions. We maximize the resources that the students would receive at a mainstream school and then provide additional custom support.
How Students Qualify
The Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy currently has the capacity for 108 students to be enrolled in our program. They are all referred to us by the Pinellas County School System.
In order to be eligible for the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy, students must meet two or more of the following requirements:
Face academic challenges
Require additional assistance with social skills
Have poor school attendance
Lack of a strong family support system
Obtain some form of government assistance