About Us
Our History
About Sea Of Strengths Academy
We are educators with experience supporting students across grades K–12. Through our work in both public and charter schools, we discovered a troubling trend: many bright students with learning disabilities were not achieving their potential. Despite their best efforts, these students lacked the essential reading, math, and writing skills needed for academic success.
Through research, training, and classroom experience, we learned that these students can succeed — if given the right support. The key lies in targeted assessment, research-based academic interventions, and instruction delivered with the right intensity and multi-sensory approach.
In traditional school settings, however, these needs often went unmet. Large class sizes and overwhelming caseloads for special education staff — including Speech–Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and School Psychologists — left many students without the personalized instruction required for growth and confidence.
With this in mind, we founded The Reading Station in June 2006 to provide after‑school tutoring aimed at building foundational academic skills. What began as a focus exclusively on reading grew to encompass math and writing as well. We witnessed students gaining academic skills, growing in self‑confidence, and seeing themselves as capable and successful learners.
For some students, after‑school tutoring was a vital support, but it was not enough. Despite making gains, many still felt left behind in traditional classrooms where their peers were progressing at a faster pace. Several hours of tutoring each week could not substitute for the 30 hours a week spent in school.
In response, and inspired by the persistence of these students and the pleas of their families, we established The Sea of Strengths Academy — a full‑day school program dedicated to providing a nurturing, intensive, and individualized learning environment. Here, every student is met where they are, taught how they learn best, and given the tools to flourish.
– John Hettler and Susan Stevens, Co‑Founders of Sea Of Strengths Academy
FAQ
Do you provide transportation for students?
No. The Sea of Strengths Academy does not provide transportation services.
How are lunch and snacks provided?
Snacks and lunch are not provided. Students bring a bag lunch and snacks each day. These items should be kept in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
Do students need to wear uniforms?
Yes. The uniform consists of navy blue and white polo shirts and khaki, dark blue pants or shorts, skirts, skorts. Navy blue or white sweaters and pullovers. No hoodies allowed. You can purchase these shirts at any retailer such as Walmart, Bealls or Amazon.
Is there Recess?
Yes, students have opportunities for daily physical activity. We take a morning break during classes to allow students an opportunity for a movement break. Students also participate in daily recess before or after lunch.
Is there any financial aid?
Yes. Sea Of Strengths Academy provides financial assistance to families who need help in affording tuition. To apply for financial aid, please visit TADS.com
Are there any scholarships available? Students in Florida may be eligible for the following Step Up For Students Scholarships:
The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO), The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), or The Hope Scholarship. For more information visit StepUpForStudents.org
Which students are appropriate for the Sea Of Strengths Academy?
Students in grades 1st through 8th who have been identified with learning disabilities, language impairment, ADHD, or are simply struggling in math or reading are the focus of our school. The Sea of Strengths Academy is not equipped for students with diagnosed behavior problems or below-average intellectual ability. The Sea of Strengths Academy will review the IEP and student reports prior to making enrollment decisions.
Does The Sea Of Strengths Academy follow the public school calendar?
Yes, however our calendar does vary slightly from public school. A school calendar is provided to parents upon enrollment, and is available upon request for prospective students.
Visit Us
- Tours can be scheduled by emailing Tiffany Whitehead at twhitehead@sosaschool.com, by using our Contact Us page, or calling (941)538-6822 x102.
- Prospective students are required to join us for a shadow day, in which they will spend the day at SOSA and see what a typical day at school is like.
Is Your Child Struggling
In Reading?
- Take a look at our "Red Flag" Checklist of reading skills.
- The Dyslexia Screener is another useful tool in looking at your child's reading skills
Financial
- Most of our students receive funding through the Step Up for Students Scholarship Program.
- The school also offers financial aid for families who qualify.
