Temple Terrace, FL (May 22, 2025) — The founders of Focus Academy are proud to announce the launch of Focus Day School, a new private school dedicated to serving students with learning and developmental disabilities in grades 3-6. The school will officially open its doors in August 2025, expanding the proven educational philosophy of Focus Academy to a younger student population. 

Focus Day School will be located at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, just 0.2 miles from the current Focus Academy Campus, providing a seamless extension of services to families in the Temple Terrace area and beyond. 

“After more than a decade of success with Focus Academy, we’re excited to meet the growing demand for quality educational options for younger students with learning and developmental disabilities,” said Loretta Gallo-Lopez, co-founder and Executive Director of Focus Academy. “Focus Day School will offer the same individualized, strengths-based approach that has helped so many of our students thrive.” 

Focus Day School will offer small class sizes, specialized instruction, and a nurturing environment that prioritizes social-emotional development alongside academic growth. The school will mirror Focus Academy’s commitment to supporting neurodiverse learners through innovative teaching strategies, therapeutic support, and a focus on independence and self-advocacy. 

“Parents of younger students have been asking for the expansion for a number of years,” said Josephine Isenbergh, co-founder and Executive Director of Focus Academy. “With Focus Day School, we can start earlier and provide the tools, encouragement, and structure students need to build confidence and a strong foundation for lifelong success.” 

Enrollment is currently open for students entering grades 3–6 in the 2025–2026 school year. Interested families can find more information and schedule a tour by visiting www.focusdayschool.org (website launching June 2025).  

About Focus Academy

Founded in 2012, Focus Academy is a charter middle school, high school and transition program serving students with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The school has been recognized for its integration of creative arts and mental health therapies, student-centered instruction, and strong community partnerships. Focus Day School will extend this legacy to meet the needs of younger learners in a private school setting.