Impacting The Future

Many students struggle with poor grades, low self-esteem, or adjusting to a traditional academic environment. At the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy, we are determined to positively impact the graduation rate of our community and prepare our students for success in the most important game of all. Life.

A Perfect Partnership

The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation acts in partnership with Pinellas County Schools to offer this unique, public-private academy that serves grades 4 through 8. The public school system identifies children in need of our special surroundings. Pinellas County Schools also provides our teachers, teachers assistants, bus transportation & food service. The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation provides the Academy Director, School Counselor, the facilities and classroom enrichment materials.

Preparing For Success At The Game Of Life

The Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy uses a holistic approach to education.  We place an emphasis on: 

Playing With Purpose

Playing golf is a key ingredient in our nontraditional education program, where students grow in character, life skills, and academics. The game of golf does not require unusual size, speed, or strength for excellence.  The sport does, however, require personal discipline, diligence, concentration, honesty, humility, and tenacity. Above all, golf teaches us that no matter what obstacles we encounter, there’s always a way to come out on top. 

Living Classrooms

Through the Academy's Shadow Program our students spend time with adults in every department of the Golf Club and the Youth Foundation. We call these opportunities our living classrooms. While learning and performing various jobs, students apply basic educational skills like business, math, and reading in a real-life setting. Learning comes to life as students interact with education beyond the classroom.   

Supportive Environment 

In addition to our living classrooms, students thrive in a small-school atmosphere where they receive individual attention, counseling, student services, and specialized instructions. We maximize the resources that the students would receive at a mainstream school and then provide additional custom support.

How Students Qualify 

The Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy currently has the capacity for 108 students to be enrolled in our program. They are all referred to us by the Pinellas County School System.

In order to be eligible for the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy, students must meet two or more of the following requirements:

• Face academic challenges 

• Require additional assistance with social skills

• Have poor school attendance

• Lack of a strong family support system

• Obtain some form of government assistance