IDEA Charter Schools Tampa Make List Of Healthiest Schools In U.S.

TAMPA, FL — IDEA Public Schools announced that all four of its schools in the Tampa Bay area have been recognized on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation 2023 list of “America’s Healthiest Schools” for their commitment to promoting quality nutrition, regular physical activity and strong wellness policies.

The schools honored are IDEA Victory Academy and IDEA Victory College Prep in North Tampa as well as IDEA Hope Academy and IDEA Hope College Prep in Ybor City.

This distinction is a major accomplishment thanks to IDEA’s Healthy Kids Here program. Launched in 2014, Healthy Kids Here is an initiative aimed at making IDEA one of the healthiest school districts in America. The three main areas of focus include food, fitness and instilling healthy habits for the future.

The program provides students with healthy meals, ample time for physical education and activity during the school day and robust health services to keep scholars healthy. Twelve campus farm programs across IDEA’s network of public charter schools in Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Ohio also keep schools supplied with delicious, locally grown, organic produce.

“As part of IDEA’s mission, we focus on helping students succeed academically while also focusing on their physical and mental health needs,” said Eva Rodriguez, vice president of student health and wellness for IDEA. “This includes providing health services, serving nutritious meals, finding ways to be physically active throughout the day and educating students on how to make healthy life choices. This recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a testament to the amazing work happening on our campuses, and the success of our Healthy Kids Here program.”

America's Healthiest Schools is Alliance for a Healthier Generation's annual recognition program that celebrates schools for implementing policies and practices to promote health and well-being. Awardees must meet specific criteria in Heathier Generation’s Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment, an evidence-informed tool that helps schools identify strengths and opportunities to advance health and learning.

To view the complete list of honorees, click here.

Since 2000, IDEA Public Schools has grown from a small school with 150 students to a network of tuition-free, K-12 public charter schools across the United States. Currently, the network serves more than 80,000 college-bound students in 143 schools. For the last 16 years, IDEA has sent nearly 100 percent of its graduates to college and remains on track to uphold that legacy.