Project Focus is proud to announce that Focus Academy, its public charter school serving students with developmental disabilities, has earned the Florida Department of Education’s “Commendable” designation in recognition of exceptional student learning gains in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The Commendable designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate student performance exceeding state expectations through measurable academic growth. The designation places Focus Academy among Florida schools recognized for achieving exceptional student learning gains, reflecting performance that exceeds state standards and distinguishes the school among its peers. For Focus Academy, this recognition is especially meaningful as it serves students with developmental disabilities through an individualized educational model designed to help every student reach their fullest potential.
“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our teachers, therapists, support staff, students, and families,” said Elisabeth Kraft-Radka, Head of Schools at Focus Academy. “At Focus Academy, we believe every student has the ability to learn, grow, and achieve when provided with the right environment and individualized support. Receiving the State of Florida’s Commendable designation is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to helping each student reach their fullest potential, and we couldn’t be prouder of this accomplishment.”
Focus Academy is part of Project Focus’ continuum of care, serving more than 115 students with developmental disabilities through individualized education, life skills development, workforce readiness, and community engagement. The academy’s educational model is built around small class sizes, personalized instruction, therapeutic supports, and a commitment to preparing students for lifelong independence.
According to Loretta Gallo-Lopez, LMHC, Co-Founder of Project Focus, Registered Drama Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist, the academy’s success is rooted in its holistic approach to education.
“Our students thrive because we recognize that learning extends beyond academics,” said Gallo-Lopez. “By integrating drama therapy, the arts, mental wellness, and individualized instruction into each student’s educational experience, we’re able to build confidence, foster communication, build relationships, social connection, and create meaningful opportunities for every learner to succeed.”
As Project Focus continues to expand its educational programs and advance plans for a transformational mixed-use community for individuals with developmental disabilities, this milestone further demonstrates the organization’s commitment to educational excellence and creating lifelong pathways to independence.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Clayton Clemens cclemens@projectfocususa.org 2676141063
About Project Focus: Project Focus supports education, life skills training, and workforce development to hundreds of students and young adults with developmental disabilities across Tampa Bay. Through its programs, including Focus Academy, Focus Day School, the Focus Forward Adult Day Training Program, Focus Workforce Readiness Program and the Focus Café, the nonprofit empowers students to achieve independence, build social connections, and engage with the broader community
Looking ahead, Project Focus is actively working toward the creation of a state-of-the-art campus. This inclusive environment will integrate current programs with a workforce training center and supported housing, offering spaces for commercial partners like markets and cafés. The new campus will reduce transportation barriers, providing easier access to essential services and enhancing students’ opportunities for job training and community involvement.
For more information, visit: https://www.projectfocusfoundation.org
