Partnership School

Back in August, we showed you a renovation project underway in Downtown Tampa that would soon become one of Hillsborough County's newest schools. Now, that school is in full swing.

In Assignment: Education.. Bill Ratliff shows you why the school's unique location and cirriculum has turned into a win-win situation for both students, parents and the school district.

--[Teacher and students say :] "One, two, ready and.. pepperoni pizza."--

These kindergartners aren't chanting for their lunch.. It's the beginning of their violin lessons As the sign says.. "Today we have music. Today we have violin."

--[Children playing violins]--

And right next door in another classroom, First Graders are making their own music.. of sorts.. in Spanish!

--[Children singing]--

This is unique.. for it's one of only two elementary schools in Hillsborough County where a foreign language is taught. It's the Downtown Partnership School.. a school of choice.. located in the former education building of the first Presbyterian Church in Downtown Tampa. It's for children of parents who work downtown. Not only is its location a big draw.. so is its open door policy. Parents are invited to come to the school at anytime of the day.

--[Mother, Patty Suarez says:] "I come in and read to my child in class and do other things with the class. That's really neat.". --[Mother, Maureen McRae says:] "I can come down and see him anytime I want to. We go to lunch sometimes and everything so.. It's great I love it."--

Officials says response to the Partnership School has been overwhelming. Principal Craig Burkhardt believes the key is the comfort level between the school's staff and parents.

--[Principal Craig Burkhardt says:] "The parents are very relaxed when they come in. They are at a very high comfort level, because they are a very short distance from their child."--

Working mom Pat Ungerer agrees. But says there is another advantage to the school.. Quality time in the car with her child.. as she drives to and from work.
--[Mother, Pat Ungerer says:] "I didn't know my commute would be so much fun. Seven months ago I wouldn't have said coming downtown was fun, but now it's fun."--

Right now the Downtown Partnership School has 70 students.. Grades K-thru-Two. Next year it will had a Third Grade. Eventually it is hoped it will become a K-thru-Five school. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel 8.

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