Nancy Spencer, Head of School, Shorecrest Preparatory School

Nancy Spencer, head of school at Shorecrest Preparatory School, spoke with Invest: about the school’s community values and their recent academic and extracurricular achievements. She emphasized the growing importance of technology and mental health in education, and the different ways Shorecrest equips students for the future.

What are some examples of how the community has demonstrated resilience in recent challenges?

One of Shorecrest’s core values is community, and that was on full display last fall when Hurricanes Helene and Milton affected so many of us. The essence of students reaching out, not just to help their friends and classmates, but offering support to anyone in the greater community. The school facilitates a closed Facebook group, where people were able to post their needs like mattresses, furniture, or uniforms, and others could help fulfill them. Students also saw the aftermath of the storms as an opportunity to help the greater St. Petersburg community. Even students who were affected at home helped other people — it’s a profound thing that the students took on organically. Parents and teachers also worked to help each other and develop this resilience, and understand that we’re all in this together. 

What are some notable recent accomplishments and developments at Shorecrest?

Shorecrest celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. We had a yearlong celebration of our roots in St. Petersburg, acknowledging both our history and our excitement towards the future. We hosted a 5k run that was very successful, and is now an annual event. We also hosted a gala and created an archival timeline to highlight milestones in the school’s history. For the third year in a row, we were recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, highlighting our leadership in educational technology. In 2023, we created the Teachers Fund, which raised $500,000 to provide classroom teachers the opportunity to pursue professional development and invest in classroom supplies. Ninety-three percent of our teachers utilized this fund to help the experience of students in the classroom. We had strong enrollment and excellent college placements. Our athletic department has seen four-peat football championships, state titles in swimming, and strong performances in soccer, volleyball, track, and softball. In the performing arts, we host public musicals, plays, and band performances in our Janet Root Theatre. We had two Robotics Teams compete in the World Championship in Omaha, NE, showcasing innovation and teamwork. We also opened a brand new turf field that opened in September that accommodates our track, football, soccer, lacrosse, and girls flag football programs. It includes a new track, scoreboard, and lighting to accommodate our expanding athletics offerings. 

What are some trends you are seeing in the preparatory school education sector?

Shorecrest is at the forefront of the educational trends. AI in education is a focus. We have created a policy that is pragmatic and realistic, to help students use AI as a tool for learning. Mental health is another focus, and we have expanded our counseling resources through our Center for Academic Excellence and Well-Being, to help students navigate social-emotional challenges and to foster resilience and empowerment. We prepare children for their academic experience as well as the challenges they’re going to face in the next phase of their life, such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership. The Ross Roeder Institute, our financial literacy and entrepreneurship program, is in its second year. We teach students financial literacy, economics, and entrepreneurial thinking. We work with businesses in St. Petersburg to create internships, bring in guest speakers, and host events like Shark Tank competitions judged by local business leaders. For college preparedness, we start students as early as ninth grade, helping students align their academic choices with future goals.

How does Shorecrest collaborate with other organizations and learning institutions to enhance learning opportunities for your students?

We are honored to have so many business leaders and experts in our community share their experience with our students. A key example of that is through our medical science program. We connect with physicians in the area and students are able to shadow doctors, sit in on surgeries, and get hands-on experience of what it’s like to become a medical professional. Students gain real-world exposure and enter college well-prepared, often standing out among peers.

How is Shorecrest attracting and retaining talented faculty and staff?

Shorecrest is a desirable place of employment and we are pleased to retain a high proportion of our faculty and staff each year. We recruit nationally, and we have interest from independent schools and from the public school sector. We have worked hard to ensure the opportunity of professional growth for teachers. The Teachers Fund, our professional development fund created during our centennial, made a remarkable impact on our teachers, who were able to pursue career-highlight professional development. Even outside of the Teachers Fund, we prioritize significant professional development, and this is a crucial aspect to attracting and retaining talent. 

What is the future of private education, and how do you envision Shorecrest’s role within that future?

For private education, it’s all about the value proposition. Parents have to believe that the product and the experience we are offering is worth the tuition we charge. We focus on the relationship between the teachers and the students. Our average class size is 14 students, which enables teachers to help every student pursue their passions and set their academic path toward success.

What are the main priorities for Shorecrest over the next two to three years?

One of our main priorities is to attract and retain the best educators to maximize impact on the students of Shorecrest. We will continue to address economic challenges that teachers and schools face. We have put a large effort into safety and security, and have two armed officers on campus during school hours, in addition to a partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. We will continue our commitment to educating the whole child with ample extracurricular activities and supporting students’ health and wellness. 

Are there any additional topics you’d like to mention?

We believe that what makes Shorecrest so successful is our diversity and our sense of belonging and inclusion. As a non-religious school, we welcome families from a wide range of backgrounds, and ensure everyone feels included and supported. Shorecrest remains dedicated to its mission of developing students as individuals and learners, staying at the forefront of innovation while honoring its rich history.