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