Tampa, FL — Project Focus is proud to announce its role in the founding and funding of Focus Day School, a new private school in Temple Terrace that will serve students with developmental and learning disabilities in grades 3–6. The school is set to open in August 2025 and represents a vital expansion of services for younger learners in the Tampa Bay community.

Focus Day School builds on the successful model of Focus Academy and reflects Project Focus’ mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities from an early age. By introducing individualized instruction, therapeutic support, and a nurturing educational environment at a younger age, the new school will lay the groundwork for students to pursue independence, confidence, and long-term success.

“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.”

Located just steps from the existing Focus Academy campus, the new school will offer small class sizes, a strengths-based academic model, and access to the same arts- and mental health-integrated approach that has become a hallmark of Project Focus programming.

As Project Focus continues to build toward the vision of an integrated campus with workforce training, supported housing, and commercial partnerships, the launch of Focus Day School marks a key milestone in providing a full spectrum of support for individuals with developmental disabilities—from childhood through adulthood.

“We believe in starting early, staying consistent, and building communities around inclusion and opportunity,” said Gallo-Lopez. “Focus Day School is a powerful addition to that mission.”

Enrollment is now open for students entering grades 3–6 in the 2025–2026 school year. For more information, visit www.focusdayschool.org (launching June 2025).

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For Media Inquiries, contact:
Clayton Clemens
Project Focus – Executive Director
cclemens@projectfocususa.org
(267) 614-1063

About Project Focus: Project Focus supports education, life skills training, and workforce development to over 160 students and young adults with developmental disabilities across Tampa Bay. Through its programs, including Focus Academy, 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

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.

For more information, visit: https://focusacademytampa.org