Frequently Asked Questions

Empowered G.O.A.L.S. Center

2026–27 School Year

At Empowered G.O.A.L.S. Center, we understand that families of gifted, high-potential, and twice-exceptional learners often have thoughtful questions while searching for the right educational environment for their child. 💛

Our goal is to create a warm, supportive, relationship-centered learning community where learners feel known, encouraged, challenged, and empowered to grow.

We hope these answers help your family better understand our programs, philosophy, and vision.

~Karena Morrison, M.Ed.

Founder, Empowered G.O.A.L.S. Center

  • Empowered G.O.A.L.S. Center is intentionally designed for gifted, high-potential, and twice-exceptional learners who benefit from:

    • personalized learning goals

    • flexible pacing

    • movement-friendly environments

    • meaningful connection and emotional support

    • creativity and hands-on learning

    • small-group, relationship-centered support

    Many of our families are seeking an environment where learners can grow academically while also feeling emotionally safe, understood, and encouraged.

  • Full-Time Program

    Grades 1st–6th

    Hybrid Enrichment Program

    Grades 7th–8th

    Enrollment is intentionally limited to help maintain a calm, connected, and highly supportive learning environment.

  • Full-Time Program (Grades 1–6)

    Our full-time program operates Monday–Thursday from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. with weekly Friday Field Adventures and includes:

    • personalized Reading & Math goals

    • collaborative project-based learning

    • social-emotional learning and community building

    • creative enrichment experiences

    • Friday Field Adventures

    Hybrid Enrichment Program (Grades 7–8)

    Our Hybrid Enrichment Program is designed primarily for homeschool and flexible-learning families.

    Learners work toward their personalized Reading & Math goals through our platform at home prior to arriving and joining us on Mondays-Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for:

    • collaborative Science and Social Studies learning experiences

    • Create activities

    • enrichment projects

    • social connection and community building activities

    • Friday Field Adventures

    Curriculum access and progress monitoring assessments are included in both programs to help families support learner growth.

  • Our programs follow a four-part learning model through Prenda:

    🌿 Connect: Community-building, growth mindset, and social-emotional learning

    📚 Conquer: Individual focus on personalized Reading & Math goals

    🤝 Collaborate: Project-based Science and Social Studies learning

    🎨 Create: Hands-on creativity, art, maker experiences, and enrichment

    Learners work in focused blocks with regular movement and brain breaks throughout the day.

    What are the program hours?

    • Full-Time Program

      Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    • Hybrid Enrichment Program

      Monday–Thursday 3:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

    • Extended-Day Enrichment Program

      Morning Enrichment: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

      Afternoon Enrichment: 3:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

    • Friday Field Adventures

      Times vary based upon scheduled experiences.

  • Empowered G.O.A.L.S. Center was intentionally created to provide a more flexible, relationship-centered learning environment.

    Our programs are designed to support learners through:

    • small-group learning

    • personalized pacing

    • movement and brain breaks

    • project-based learning

    • emotional safety and connection

    • meaningful relationships with trusted adults

    • creativity and real-world learning experiences

    We believe many gifted and twice-exceptional learners thrive when they feel emotionally safe, connected, encouraged, and empowered to grow with confidence.

  • Learners work toward individualized Reading and Math goals through the Conquer portion of the day.

    Our programs incorporate:

    • personalized digital learning pathways

    • goal setting and progress monitoring

    • learner independence and ownership

    • small-group and individualized support

    Families receive regular updates regarding learner growth and progress.

  • We understand that gifted and twice-exceptional learners often experience learning very differently.

    Many learners thrive with:

    • flexibility

    • challenge

    • movement

    • creativity

    • emotional support

    • opportunities for deep interests and exploration

    • smaller learning environments

    We intentionally build strong relationships with learners and focus heavily on community-building and emotional safety during the beginning of the school year.

  • We believe relationships matter deeply.

    Our learning environment is intentionally designed to help learners:

    • feel known and valued

    • build healthy peer relationships

    • develop confidence and independence

    • strengthen communication skills

    • grow through encouragement and support

    Many learners who enter our program may have experienced educational stress, perfectionism, anxiety, or discouragement in previous educational environments. Our goal is to help learners rediscover joy, curiosity, confidence, and connection.

  • Movement and creativity are intentionally woven throughout the school day.

    Learners experience:

    • regular movement and brain breaks

    • outdoor courtyard time

    • project-based learning

    • creative enrichment experiences

    • art and maker activities

    • collaborative exploration

    • real-world learning opportunities

    We believe learners often engage more deeply when they are actively involved in the learning process.

  • Community-building is one of the most important parts of our culture.

    Learners participate in:

    • Connect activities

    • collaborative projects

    • enrichment experiences

    • performances and presentations

    • Friday Field Adventures

    • community service opportunities

    Our small-group environment helps learners develop meaningful friendships and stronger social connections over time.

  • We believe strong family partnership is essential.

    Families receive:

    • regular communication and updates

    • learner progress information

    • opportunities to participate in events and performances

    • invitations to community experiences and celebrations

    Families are encouraged to be active participants in our learning community.

  • The beginning of the school year focuses heavily on:

    • relationship-building

    • emotional safety

    • routines and transitions

    • community development

    • learner connection

    Our goal is to help learners feel comfortable, supported, and connected as they settle into the environment.

  • We understand that educational transitions can feel significant, especially for gifted and twice-exceptional learners.

    We work thoughtfully with families to help learners:

    • build comfort and familiarity

    • develop connections with peers

    • understand routines and expectations

    • feel emotionally supported throughout the transition process

    Open houses and family connection opportunities are incorporated prior to the beginning of the school year whenever possible.

  • Fridays are reserved for Field Adventures throughout the Tampa Bay area.

    Learners may participate in:

    • museums and arts experiences

    • STEM adventures

    • nature exploration

    • farms and environmental learning

    • community outreach and volunteerism

    • regional educational experiences

    Families will meet at our Largo location before and after adventures.

    Field Adventures are designed to connect learning to real-world experiences while strengthening community and collaboration.

  • Learners will have opportunities throughout the year to participate in:

    • music and rhythm enrichment

    • creative projects

    • family showcases

    • community performances

    • Senior Center visits

    • presentations and collaborative events

    These experiences are designed to help learners build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and community connection.

  • Tuition includes:

    • curriculum access

    • personalized learning support

    • progress monitoring assessments

    • project-based learning experiences

    • Connect social-emotional learning activities

    • Create enrichment experiences

    • collaborative learning opportunities

    • Friday Field Adventure programming (see below)

    What additional expenses should families plan for?

    Families are responsible for:

    • learner laptop device

    • lunch and snacks

    • shared community supply contributions as needed

    • Field Adventure admission/activity costs when applicable

    Optional Extended-Day Enrichment programming is also available for an additional fee.

    How is tuition billed?

    Families register annually for the school year.

    Prenda handles tuition through quarterly billing.

    Additional details regarding payment schedules and enrollment agreements are provided during the enrollment process.

    Are scholarships accepted?

    Yes. 😊

    Empowered G.O.A.L.S. Center accepts:

    • PEP Scholarship

    • Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

    Many gifted and twice-exceptional learners may qualify for scholarship opportunities.

  • Yes. 😊

    Enrollment is intentionally limited to help maintain a calm, connected, relationship-centered learning environment where learners receive meaningful support and individualized attention.

  • Yes.

    Creative, relationship-centered morning and afternoon enrichment experiences are available for families of full-time learners who desire additional flexibility and support.

    Extended-Day Enrichment may include:

    • music enrichment

    • STEM projects

    • art and maker experiences

    • outdoor play and movement

    • creative collaborative activities

    • additional community connection opportunities

  • Our learning spaces are being developed in Largo, Florida.

    Additional details regarding location, open houses, and family tours are shared directly with interested families as renovations and preparations continue.

  • Learners are required to provide a compatible Chromebook/laptop device and headphones for daily Conquer learning.

    Specific device recommendations and purchasing information are provided to families during enrollment.

This Prenda Family Orientation video is a phenomenal overview, and we’ve found that families appreciate reviewing the information to identify any questions they may have prior to scheduling a phone conference with our team.