Issuu

TERRAPIN TAG ALONG

EXPERIENCE A TYPICAL DAY AT TAMPA PREP AS WE TAG ALONG WITH 6TH GRADERS MAYA AND CAYDEN!

PLUS WHAT KIND OF TERRAPIN ARE YOU?

“TAKE IT FROM US” AND MUCH MORE!

Meet Earnest, our Terrapin mascot! Brave, loyal, & kind, he represents the spirit of our diverse student body. Earnest inspires our Terrapins to think outside the box, embrace individuality, aim high, and push the limits of what’s possible. Enjoy this edition of Being Earnest & welcome to Tampa Prep!

Kevin M. Plummer Head of School

A PREPARATION FOR LIFE, WITH A HIGHER PURPOSE THAN SELF.

in this issue

09 MUNCH & MINGLE

Time to eat! Lunchtime is about more than just pizza or chicken nuggets. At Prep, it’s also time to play, rest, recharge and catch up with friends.

13

@tampa_prep

tampa preparatory school

TERRAPIN TRIUMPH

Meet sisters Cai and Corrie who are dominating the track and breaking school (and state) records in the process.

19 6TH GRADE WHEEL

Wanna try something new? Explore the options students have during their 6th grade exploratory period!

25 LIGHTS, CAMERA, CODE!

Terrapins have the unique opportunity to take filmmaking and app development beyond the classroom!

terrapin tag along

Let’s tag along with Maya and Cayden, Class of ‘31 Terrapins, on a typical day in 6th grade. Tampa Prep’s school day starts a little later than some schools, to make sure that students are well rested and ready to learn. And, in our classrooms, students don’t have to sit still. We encourage you to move, pivot and swivel! At Tampa Prep, class schedules rotate, so each day students skip one period, which could be an academic class or an elective.

Let’s Go!

8:50 AM

EARTH SCIENCE

Cayden heads to Earth Science for first period. Today, students are applying their understanding of the concept of motion during the physics unit by completing a computerized lab that allows the students to figure out the speed of different animals.

9:50 AM

WORLD GEOGRAPHY & HISTORY

Maya has World Geography and History second period. Today’s lesson in Geography includes learning about South Africa, highlighting the work of Nelson Mandela. Giggles were had while listening to the British Ska Band, The Specials and their 80’s hit “Free Nelson Mandela.”

10:50 AM

ENGLISH & MATH

In English, Maya and her classmates are having a Harkness discussion about the book they’re reading. Harkness is when students lead a discussion (with a teacher facilitating), to encourage everyone to participate and contribute their own unique thoughts and point of view. Meanwhile, Cayden is in Math learning how to identify and formulate good statistical questions that anticipate a variety of answers and can be analyzed using data.

11:50 AM

MIDDLE SCHOOL LUNCH

Lunch time is the best time to catch up with friends and recharge for the second half of the school day. After eating (check out all the great lunch options on page 9), Cayden heads out to Shimberg Field with friends to play football while Maya & friends like to sit (in the shade) on the bleachers and chat.

12:30 PM

PRIMA LINGUA

In Prima Lingua, students are working on their final project, where they get to create a god/goddess and then choose a creative expression of their deity. For example: make a painting or drawing, build a monument to them in Minecraft, create a costume, write a story, poem or make a movie, among others. Cayden’s monument was a god/goddess of animals. The idea was that she had all the animals within her and they burst forth to populate the world.

1:30 PM

ROBOTICS & ART

It’s getting close to the end of the school day and it’s time for 6th Grade Wheel electives. Cayden spends this period in the Robotics lab, where 6th graders are solving robot missions using LEGO Spike and programming robots to retrieve or deliver items with manipulators. And, Maya is in Art class where she got to choose a theme and sculpt three items, related to that theme, then add paint and texture. Finally, she wrote a reflection and turned her three pieces into a short story.

2:30 PM

ATHLETICS

It’s the end of the school day! We know how important physical activity is for a healthy mind and body, so for last period, every 6th grader heads to Athletics. Today, Cayden plays baseball out on Shimberg Field while Maya gets to cool off by swimming in the Colwill Aquatic Complex (that’s the pool to you and me)!

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULE:

FALL

Boys & Girls Bowling

Boys & Girls Cross Country

Boys & Girls Diving

Boys & Girls Golf

Physical Education

Boys & Girls Rowing

Boys & Girls SHAC*

Boys Soccer

Boys & Girls Swimming

Girls Volleyball

WINTER

Boys & Girls Bowling

Boys & Girls Basketball

Boys & Girls Running

Boys & Girls Golf

Girls Soccer

Boys & Girls SHAC*

SPRING

Boys Baseball

Boys Lacrosse

Physical Education

Boys & Girls Pickleball

Boys & Girls Rowing

Boys & Girls Running

Boys & Girls SHAC*

Boys & Girls Swimming

Boys & Girls Tennis

“

I joined Prep Student Leaders to help plan activities that are fun but can also help others, like making and selling ‘Boo Bags’ at Halloween to raise money for charities.”

Ellie M. ‘29

terps

take action

Students roll up their sleeves and serve, living the mission of “A Higher Purpose Than Self.”

At Tampa Prep, we pride ourselves on having a “higher purpose than self.” This means that we think it’s really important to contribute to a cause or purpose beyond any personal gain. A higher purpose than self is about making a positive impact on others, society or the world, driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to create meaningful change.

One great example of this is our Prep Student Leaders club. It’s a club that meets once a week and gives Middle School students the opportunity to not only build school spirit but to also encourage community service through leadership opportunities. Some of the fun activities that Prep Student Leaders have done include a Toy Drive in December, Candygrams for Valentine’s Day and coordinating dress-up days for Spirit Week!

It’s also a great preparation for students that may be interested in getting involved with Student Council in Upper School.

&MUNCH MINGLE

Students enjoy the freedom to choose their lunch and their favorite recess activities during everyone’s favorite midday break!

For Terrapins, lunchtime isn’t just about grabbing a bite—it’s a chance to recharge, connect, and dive into everything that makes our campus buzz. Whether you’re heating up homemade leftovers or unwrapping your favorite takeout, there’s no wrong way to do lunch at our school.

Some students swear by their homepacked meals (shoutout to the classic PB&J or that leftover mac & cheese). Others take full advantage of our wide list of approved restaurants. “One time I got the Panda Express fried rice and it was really good,” said Isabel N. ‘31. “But I usually pack my own lunch in the mornings.”

Hallie B. ‘31 switches it up: “On Wednesdays I order lunch, but every other day I bring it. I like to get something different every once in a while.”

Once the food’s been devoured, the options for how to spend the rest of the break are just as diverse. Club meetings are a big draw, offering everything from ping pong to student leadership opportunities. “My favorite activity during lunch is definitely

going to be attending a club,” said Ishaan B. ‘31 “I’ve had a club at least four days a week, normally Monday through Thursday.”

If fresh air and friendly competition are more your speed, you can always hit Shimberg Field for a game of football or baseball, or head to the courts for basketball or pickleball. “Going to the field and playing with friends—I like it very much because you get to know more people,” said Jameson L. ‘31.

Felipe S. ‘31 mixes things up: “After I finish lunch I typically go to the field to play football or volleyball depending where my friends decide to go. Sometimes on Thursdays I go to Ping Pong Club, and Friday I have to go to Music Club because I’m the president.”

From clubs and courts to quiet catch-ups with friends in the courtyard or bleachers, lunch here is more than just a meal— it’s a highlight of the day. With all these options, it’s no wonder this midday break is everyone’s favorite time to relax, reset, and have a little fun.

the science of

“

I have never been more interested in science than I have in Ms. Grosso’s class. I think that I want to explore science further because of the experiences I had this year.”

Lillea B. ‘31

sportsmanship

From inspiring 6th graders in the science lab to leading middle school athletics, Ms. Grosso brings passion, energy, and dedication to both the classroom and the field.

If you’ve had Coach Grosso for science or sports, you know she brings energy, encouragement, and fun to everything she does. This fall marks her 15th year at Tampa Prep, and she’s still as passionate as ever about teaching and coaching. “I grew up with a father who was a middle school science teacher and coach,” she said. “So I always understood the value teachers and coaches could have on students.”

Before joining Prep, she coached collegiate volleyball at Texas A&M and James Madison University. After earning her master’s degree, she began teaching high school science in Florida and joined Tampa Prep in 2011. Over the years, she’s taught 6th and 7th grade science and coached middle school and varsity teams. In 2023, she became the Middle School Athletic Director.

What drives her? “I love being a positive influence in a student’s life,” she said. “Especially when they realize they can succeed through their own hard work.” That growth shows during the major 6th grade project, a three-week, parent-free challenge. “Students often say it’s what they’re most proud of all year.”

Students agree. “She gives us freedom and choices, like in the science project. She made science fun,” said Dominic B. ‘31.

Coach Grosso also starts the year with a unit on mindset. “It helps students see how their attitude impacts success,” she said.

Her classroom favorites include the Lab Safety Maker Space Challenge and Experimental Design. As Lily M. ‘31 shared, “She makes learning fun, and I love the group projects!”

Outside of class, she loves coaching and mentoring athletes through the college recruiting process. “The best part is when they want to come back and share their new experiences with me.”

What does she love most about Prep? “Students can be themselves and succeed in a supportive environment—and I get to work with the best team of teachers.”

“ I enjoy how she is able to teach well while also maintaining a sense of questioning so you are always able to wonder what’s next. She has impacted my year in science by making me want to take notes to always have these different topics so I can always continue to learn.”

Emaan F. ‘31

Triumph TERRAPIN

Two sisters, one incredible year: from breaking school records to claiming state titles, the Terrapins’ track stars are proving that when you run together, you win together.

Cai ‘28 and Corrie ‘31 Culpepper are Tampa Prep Terrapins, but they are also track & field phenoms and sisters. Corrie’s favorite event is the Long Jump “because there is science to the long jump and science is my favorite subject. Plus, I feel like I’m flying!”

Cai’s favorite event is the 400 “Because that was when I first realized what I was capable of. Plus, I think it’s the hardest event in track and field.” While they have competed against each other, ultimately they are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, on and off the track. How & when did you first become interested in your sport?

Cai: “I used to play soccer and I got interested in running track when my coaches started to tell me that I was really fast. So, I gave it a try and really liked it.”

Corrie: “I started track when I was 4 years old, mainly because my sister did it. The long jump was the first thing I did and was really good at. Also, our brother plays football and my sister would go to his practices - she would race all the older kids because she was bored during his practice. And, she always beat all the older kids.”

Cai: “That’s true!” (laughter) What do you love about your sport?

Corrie: “I really love the balance of being a great athlete and a great student. I love going through the phases of becoming better and stronger.”

Cai: “I just love the competition. I love being able to represent myself as a leader in the track and field

world. I love being able to express myself outside of words while I’m running - express how I hold myself to a high standard of reaching my goals. You can’t tell that just by looking at someone - you can only see it through their actions.

Has being at Tampa Prep helped you develop, as a student, a person, and an athlete?

Corrie: “I love being at Tampa Prep because I get to run track and compete with my sister. Also, we get to do fun activities while we learn. I didn’t ever used to want to go to school. But, now I really want to come to Tampa Prep every day when I wake up.”

Cai: “As a student, Tampa Prep has really helped me with my procrastination. I have a lot of work in and out of school, so it keeps me on a schedule. And, as an athlete, I’ve developed physically, mentally and emotionally. Once I started competing and getting feedback and seeing how fast I can run, I now believe in myself that I have a future and a career ahead of me.”

What are your hopes & dreams, for your future?

Cai: “I see myself being an Olympian. I want to get a scholarship to a D1 college (FAMU, UF, Miami or Texas A&M would be great), major in chemistry and pharmaceutical science and then become a professional athlete.

Corrie: “I want to go to college and major in veterinary medicine. I definitely want to pursue track in college and I want to make it to the Olympics. My sister and I can run on the 4 by 1 team together - that’s the dream!”

“

The biggest piece of advice that I give my little sister is to not look at the people in front of her, in races & in life. Just look at yourself. Look in your own mirror, nobody else’s mirror.”

Cai C. ‘29

what kind of TERRAPIN

Instructions:

Answer the following questions and tally up your points. Each answer corresponds to one of five categories: Thinker, Creator, Authentic, Aspire, and Transcend. At the end, see which category you scored the highest in to discover your school-life strength!

When faced with a challenging homework assignment, you typically:

1 5

Break it down step by step and analyze all the details.

Get creative and think of different ways to approach the problem.

Trust your instincts and stick to what feels right.

Aim to complete it as fast as possible to move on to other things.

Use your knowledge to explore deeper concepts beyond the assignment.

2 6 3 4 7 8

Which of these after-school activities would you most likely participate in:

Debate Club, Battle of the Books, or Science Olympiad

Art Club or Theater Productions

When working on a group project, you prefer to:

Take the lead in research and ensure everything is fact-based.

Come up with unique and original ideas for the project.

Make sure that everyone feels included and their ideas are heard.

Focus on efficiency and making sure the project gets done on time.

Inspire the group to think beyond the assignment and explore deeper topics.

How do you handle mistakes or setbacks:

Analyze what went wrong and plan a logical solution for the future.

Try to find a new, creative way to approach the challenge.

Peer Support Group, Key Club, or Social Justice Club

Student Government or Leadership Council

Environmental Club or Research Projects

How do you prefer to spend your free time at school:

Reading books, solving puzzles, or exploring new subjects.

Drawing, painting, or trying out new creative projects.

Hanging out with friends and/or having deep conversations

Practicing for sports, improving my skills, or setting new goals.

Exploring new ideas, researching topics that interest me, or working on personal growth.

Which statement best reflects your personal values:

Logic and problem-solving are my strengths.

Creativity and originality are key to my selfexpression.

Staying genuine and being true to myself is what matters most.

Success comes from hard work, ambition, and a desire to achieve.

I believe in the power of knowledge and growth to overcome challenges.

Stay true to yourself and use the experience as an opportunity for growth.

Brush it off and focus on achieving your next goal.

Reflect on personal growth, plan for the future, or explore new ideas.

What motivates you the most in school:

Solving complex problems and gaining knowledge.

Expressing myself creatively and trying new things.

Building strong relationships and staying true to my values.

Reaching my goals and achieving success.

Expanding my mind, thinking deeply, and growing as a person.

When it comes to sports or physical activities, you:

Focus on perfecting my technique and learning the rules.

Enjoy using movement as a form of selfexpression.

Value being part of a team and making personal connections.

Push myself to get better and set new records.

Use sports to challenge myself mentally and reflect on deeper life lessons.

ARE YOU?

9 12 10 11

If you had to choose a leadership role, you’d prefer to:

Lead through thoughtful analysis and careful planning.

Lead by inspiring others with my creative ideas and vision.

Lead by connecting with others and promoting inclusivity.

Lead by setting goals and driving the team to achieve them.

Lead by encouraging growth and helping others see the bigger picture.

When you’re working on a project, what’s most important to you:

Accuracy and clear logic in every detail.

Creativity and originality to make sure it stands out.

Ensuring the project reflects your values and need to add a personal touch.

Efficiency and completing the project with high achievement.

The ability to explore deep insights and connect the project to larger ideas.

What’s your favorite type of school assignment:

Research papers or assignments that require critical thinking.

Creative projects like artwork, videos, or performances.

Group discussions or assignments or challenges that let me push my limits.

Setting new goals and pushing myself even further.

Taking time to reflect and think about how this success contributes to my growth.

What is your biggest source of pride in school:

My ability to solve problems and think critically about different topics.

My creativity and ability to express myself in unique and inspiring ways.

The relationships I build and my commitment to being true to myself.

My drive to succeed and set high personal and academic goals.

My quest for deeper understanding and the ability to inspire others to grow too.

Scoring!

You’re a Thinker — You love solving problems, analyzing information, and diving deep into intellectual pursuits!

You’re a Creator — You thrive on creativity, innovation, and bringing ideas to life through art, projects, or unique expressions!

You love to Be Yourself — You value genuine connections, staying true to yourself, and fostering meaningful relationships with others!

You Aspire to Excellence — You set high goals for yourself, strive for success, and push forward in your academic and extracurricular pursuits!

You Go Beyond — You seek to grow beyond conventional boundaries, explore new concepts, and embrace deeper learning experiences!

speaking

volumes

Giving a Declamation is a rite of passage here at Tampa Prep. We know public speaking can be scary, so why do we do this year after year? Declamations give you the chance to share a story, to hear one another & connect with an audience. This long-time Terrapin tradition gives you confidence in your own voice and the belief that your words are worth sharing!

Isabella D. ‘31 6th Grade Winner

Performed The Driving Test by Alan N. Prentice

How did you choose your Declamation passage?

“Honestly, I really struggled with it and I was one of the last people in my class to choose one. I chose my declamation partly because I thought that it was a very easy feeling to work off of when I was presenting. In the poem, the main character was nervous and I thought that would be a feeling that I could focus on when presenting, because I knew that I was probably going to be nervous, speaking in front of others.”

How did you feel when you first learned about what a declamation is?

“I thought it sounded kind of fun because I do love acting and presenting in front of

people, but I was also really nervous about how I would do and what poem I would choose.”

How long did it take you to memorize your declamation?

How much did you practice?

“It didn’t really take me that long to memorize my declamation. I read it a couple of times over and then started practicing. I also tried typing my declamation from memory into a Google doc so that I could focus on the parts that I kept forgetting.”

How did you feel when you learned that you would be presenting in front of the entire school? How did you deal with nerves?

“When I found out that I was going to be presenting in front of the entire school, I almost said that I didn’t want to do it, but then I realized that it would be a great opportunity for me to improve my stage presence and deal with nerves. When it was finally time to present, I was really nervous, but I just took a deep breath and focused on what I had practiced so many times. Once I started speaking, and breathing, it became a lot easier and I was able to deal with the nerves.”

What advice would you give to an incoming 6th grader about giving a declamation?

“The best advice I can think of to give is that thinking about it is a lot harder than it is to actually do it. Just take a deep breath, pretend that nobody’s watching you and just do what you have practiced. You’ll probably be super nervous and think that it’s impossible and you’re going to forget everything. But if you just think about what you’ve practiced, it should become pure muscle memory. And, good luck!”

6th Grade Wheel... What’s the deal with the

All Tampa Prep incoming 6th graders get to experience the 6th Grade Wheel, which means you get to try robotics, art, band & chorus throughout the year. You never know when you might discover a new talent or interest!

“ I liked art the most because I like being creative and it was a relaxing experience each day. I really liked all the projects; we were always working on a new fun piece. It was a good way to socialize and have fun while still being educational.

Darcy M. ‘31

BAND & CHORUS

Band Teacher: Mr. Ben-Zvi

If you’ve ever wanted to try out the saxophone, flute, trombone—or just see what it’s like to be part of a real band—this class is your chance! All 6th graders get the opportunity to learn a band instrument — even with zero experience!

“Band was my favorite because learning an instrument was super fun and interesting,” said Felipe S. ‘31 “The final concert for Band and Chorus was great and fun,” he added. And he’s not stopping anytime soon: “I’ve been playing piano for years, and this class made me want to keep going.”

Chorus Teacher: Mr. Hoy

If there’s a singer inside you dying to get out, Chorus is your chance to shine! In this fun and welcoming class, all 6th graders get to learn new songs while picking up some basic music theory and history along the way. Whether you’re a future pop star or just like singing with friends, it’s all about expressing yourself and having fun—no perfect pitch required.

“Chorus was my favorite because I was able to have fun and be around my friends. Mr. Hoy is really nice too,” said Hallie B. ‘31. One favorite moment? “We got to sing to the grandparents on Grandparents Day!” Hallie adds, “It was really fun, and my friends are doing chorus next year too, so I want to keep going.”

ART ROBOTICS

Art Teacher: Ms. DeAmbrose

Whether you love drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpting—or you’re just picking up a paintbrush for the first time—art class is a space where every student can discover their creative side.

“Art was my favorite because it felt like a quiet area where I could just sit and create something I had never seen or even heard of before,” said Wesleigh W. ‘31. “It also helps when you have an amazing teacher like Mrs. DeAmbrose, who inspires you to create and do things outside of the box!”

With guidance from an encouraging teacher and a wide variety of materials and techniques to try, students often leave the quarter with more confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Robotics Teachers: Ms. Lassacher & Mr. Quah

Every student gets hands-on experience in robotics—a class that introduces the basics of simple machines like levers, pulleys, and wheels & axles. But the real excitement begins when students build and program their own robots, learning how to operate them through a combination of logic, creativity, and teamwork.

“My personal favorite was robotics,” said Ishaan B. ‘31 “I really enjoy problem solving, coding, and especially working with technology. I feel like it was such a unique experience that I was never offered before.”

For many students, robotics is their first introduction to coding and engineering concepts, and it quickly becomes a highlight of their year.

bags! pack your

In Middle School at Tampa Prep, everyone looks forward to their class trips! For many students, this is the first time they have spent time away from their families, traveling with peers and trusted chaperones, so it’s a great opportunity for growth, to gain some independence and to make new friends.

6th Grade FLORIDA ADVENTURES

Our 6th graders begin their middle school journey with an exciting Florida Adventures Trip each fall. Over the course of three action-packed days, students explore local favorites like Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Medieval Times, and Kennedy Space Cener. Scheduled right at the start of the school year, this trip is the perfect opportunity for students to build friendships, grow as a team, and make lasting memories—all while having a blast!

7th Grade FLORIDA KEYS 8th Grade BOSTON

Each spring, our 7th graders head south for a four-day immersive experience in the Florida Keys, where classroom learning meets the natural world. As the capstone to their Science 7 curriculum, students apply what they’ve learned about plant and animal organisms, classification, and habitats by encountering wildlife up close in their native environments. Highlights of the trip include swimming with dolphins, kayaking through mangrove ecosystems, snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and experiencing the Everglades on an exciting airboat ride. It’s a one-of-a-kind journey that brings science to life in unforgettable ways.

In the fall, our 8th graders embark on a four-day journey through New England, stepping back in time to trace the roots of the American Revolution. A highlight of the trip is walking Boston’s historic Freedom Trail, with stops at significant landmarks like Bunker Hill, Old North Church, and Paul Revere’s home. Students also visit Lexington and Concord, the sites of the first battles of the Revolution, and take a moment for quiet reflection at Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau penned his iconic work. In Salem, they explore the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem Witch Memorial, and the eerie House of the Seven Gables. On the final day, students travel back to 1627 to experience the life of a pilgrim at Plymouth Plantation, bringing history to life in a truly immersive way.

arrr

you ready?

Middle Schoolers Join Forces for a Treasure-Filled Day of Strategy, STEM, and Teamwork!

This year’s Middle School Games brought the spirit of Tampa’s pirate history to campus with the Pirate Games. Students were divided into pirate “crews” and kicked off their day by staking their land claim on Prep’s Pirate Island.

Each crew was assigned a resource to collect during The Gathering, a high-energy physical challenge that required teamwork and strategy. “It was a fun athletic game that required communication and teamwork,” said Magdalena D. ‘31 “It helped me get closer with my peers,” added Izzy G. ‘31.

After collecting resources, crews could trade with other teams to build up their pirate supplies, using smart strategy to

“combine materials for maximum points. Alliances were formed—and sometimes broken—just like any good pirate tale.

Natural disasters soon hit the island, and students took on STEM-based challenges to prove their crews could survive the elements. “I liked the action,” said Kaitlyn C. ‘31 “It was fun working with my team.”

To round out the adventure, each crew reflected on their journey in a written newspaper, The Peg Leg Press. “Our team got to work together and have fun,” said Owen F. ‘31.

In the end, the Pirate Games proved that teamwork, creativity, and a little friendly competition always lead to treasure.

My favorite activity during the pirate games was the market because it gave me an opportunity to negotiate with my peers and interact with people i usually would not normally talk to.”

Lily M. ‘31

“

I took the film class because it was something new and sounded really fun. The cameras were actually pretty easy to figure out, and the stands made filming way easier. One of my favorite parts was editing and going through all the bloopers—we had so many funny moments.”

Charlie

C. ‘29

Scan Here to watch the Film Students’ 2024 workshop reel!

“

I thought it’d be fun to shoot our own movies with friends, and it really was. The cameras were super easy to use and worked great. My favorite part was when we all got to edit our films and add sounds—it was cool seeing everything come together.”

Lyla N. ‘29

code! lights, camera

Virtual Worlds, Real Skills: Students Collaborate Across Disciplines to Create the Future of Media

Tampa Prep is known as “Florida’s Most Innovative School,” and it’s easy to see why! Students here get hands-on with some seriously cool tech—like learning how to use apps to help create virtual worlds using Unreal Engine, the same software used in professional video games and movies. What really sets our program apart is our custom-built Puget Systems PC—a super powerful computer usually found in real Hollywood studios. With this machine, students bring their creations to life on a brand-new 16-foot-wide LED volume screen, a giant digital backdrop just like the ones used in shows like The Mandalorian.

In Film Workshop, students use this screen to test out lighting, shoot scenes, and make it look like their actors are standing in a desert, on an alien planet, or in a futuristic city—without ever leaving campus! They learn how to match

lighting and camera angles with the digital backgrounds, just like the pros do in virtual production.

But that’s not all—students are also experimenting with generative A.I. to create custom digital backdrops based on their own storyboards and ideas. This means they’re not just using tech—they’re helping shape the future of filmmaking.

And it gets even cooler: students in Film Workshop team up with the Unreal Engine classes to learn about video production effects in a virtual environment which includes learning about lighting and camera placement and tracking. Students are also learning about motion capture and using the Rokoko smartsuit to incorporate character animation from live motion to their scenes.

Tampa Prep isn’t just preparing students for the future - we’re letting them create it!

take it from

Get to Know Your 2025-26 Student Leaders, Both 7-Year Terrapins: Tampa Prep Student

Body President Jai and Vice President Max

What was it like, for you, as a new/incoming student at Tampa Prep?

Jai: “I was both extremely excited and a bit nervous. I had shadowed and seen the school before so I knew exactly what to look forward to, but on the other hand, I didn’t know anyone or any of the teachers here. I was pleasantly surprised with the countless friendships and opportunities I quickly found once I was a student.”

Max: “I had just come from St. John’s Episcopal, so it was interesting going to a school that didn’t do things like chapel or mass. The strange feeling came and went fairly quickly though, largely because of the new freedom I felt I had at Tampa Prep. The middle school felt like the start of being treated as a young adult almost. Through 6th, 7th, and 8th grade I felt like I was being prepared for the freedom I’d have in high school and likely later in life.”

Is there anything you wish you would have tried or done differently, as a new Terrapin?

Jai: “I wish I would have been a little more involved in clubs in middle school. Although it was fun eating lunch with friends all the time, there were some great opportunities I missed by not going to clubs and trying new things.”

Max: “Socialize as much as possible! Sometimes being at a new school made me only want to talk to a few people, or even just people who used to go to my previous school with me. My best advice to anyone new to Tampa Prep is to get out there and make all the friends you want and join as many clubs as you can.”

What is one of your favorite things about Tampa Prep?

Jai: “I absolutely love how interconnected you can be in the school. If you want to, you can become an active member of this community that not just participates

in the school and its extracurriculars, but supports the school and its extracurriculars. Even if you’ve never done something before, the opportunities present themselves to excel in new things.”

Max: “The sense of responsibility and freedom given to students is really great. Instead of being reprimanded and being given mindless objectives, I feel that Tampa Prep gives you the opportunity and responsibility of a young adult student.”

Tell me about your experience, overall, at Tampa Prep.

Jai: “I have tried to be active in as many things as I could (especially in younger grades), and because of that I have pursued things that I would have never imagined. I went from never playing competitive golf, running, or participating in robotics to a varsity golfer, track runner, and president of the robotics club.”

Max: “Tampa Prep has made me a much more social person overall and inspired me to try and do more in each athletic and club I joined. Of course with any school there are tough days with hard work ahead, but the payoff has felt enormous, and I am truly excited for what lies ahead after high school, largely because of my opportunities taken at Prep.”

What advice would you give to an incoming 6th grader?

Jai: “The best piece of advice I can give is to have fun and be open. Do the things you love, and don’t be afraid to try new things--even if your friends don’t try them with you. Even better, try to encourage others to follow suit.”

Max: “Take advantage of the opportunities you have. Make as many friends as you can and get to know people. Join clubs and try sports you haven’t tried before. Middle school is the perfect time in your life to try new things. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you get out there and try something new. Things get more serious in high school, so if there’s a sport you want to try, do it!”