The Florida Center for Early Childhood

Gulf Coast Christian Academy Preschool is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young children aged 3 to 5 in a nurturing, child-centered environment. The school's core mission revolves around providing a high-quality educational program that encourages each child to reach their fullest potential, addressing their mental, physical, social, and spiritual needs. With a focus on foundational skills in language arts, mathematics, and fine arts, the curriculum incorporates vital lessons on safety, health, and manners. Daily Bible stories and weekly Chapel services are thoughtfully tailored to resonate with young learners. The academy recognizes the profound impact of early childhood environments on development; thus, it offers a rich array of stimulating activities including manipulatives, dramatic play, active play, music, art creativity, cooking, science exploration, nature activities, and kindergarten readiness programs. What sets Gulf Coast Christian Academy apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio and fostering strong partnerships with families. Additionally, the school is licensed by the Florida Department of Children & Families and the Florida League of Christian Schools (FLOCS), ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for every child entrusted to its care.

For the 2026-27 school year, Imagine School at North Port brought its elementary and upper grades together on one kindergarten through grade 12 campus on East Price Boulevard. As a public charter, we ask no tuition, a lottery decides admission when a grade has more applicants than seats, and buses serve K-12 students who live more than 2 miles away. Our Cambridge program started in grades 6 to 10 and adds a grade each year until it covers grades 6 to 12. Our high schoolers have Advanced Placement courses and State College of Florida dual enrollment available, and an academic advisor and school counselor help them plan. The Positivity Project named us a Green Shield School for 2025-26, and our SHARKS character values are taught in every grade. Clubs include Speech and Debate, Computer/Robotics, Young Marines, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government, Dungeons and Dragons, Crochet and National Honor Society, while elementary students can join the Advanced Reading Challenge Club and the National Elementary Honor Society. Band and choir perform concerts, secondary students compete in athletics, and elementary families can use aftercare.

Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, our elementary grades share a new combined K-12 campus at 1998 East Price Boulevard with our middle and high school. Cognia accredits Imagine Schools at North Port, a public charter without tuition, and an annual lottery and waitlist fill its seats. Our standards-based curriculum spirals through thematic units, with inquiry and project-based lessons and character education built into each subject. Imagine's shared values of integrity, justice and fun guide daily life, and the school was named a Positivity Project Green Shield School for 2025-26. An elementary student support coordinator and a school counselor work with students and families. Elementary students can join the Advanced Reading Challenge Club, Art Club and the National Elementary Honor Society, and aftercare is available on campus. We run buses for kindergarten through 12th grade students who live more than two miles away; seats are assigned first come, first served after online registration. As students move up, our Cambridge program for grades 6 to 10 opens more advanced coursework.