ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — During the 1960s, zoning laws and ‘white flight’ changed the demographics of several St. Petersburg communities, including the predominantly African American neighborhood surrounding the Oak Grove Elementary School. The change limited funding and resources to serve the children and was eventually closed as a public school.

After years of that building being vacant, a new academy founded there is offering South St. Petersburg families the option of quality education.

“That child you left behind may be the one to pull your child down. So we want to lift everybody up,” said maintenance manager Kori Monroe.

Kori and Twanna Monroe say they know all too well about being left behind. Both grew up in south St. Petersburg during a time when they said schools in this neighborhood experienced inequity in funding and resources. 

Decades after segregation blocked Twanna’s mother from attending this school, she now owns it.

“She could not be a part of this community where this school resides 50 years ago,” Twanna said.  

She purchased what once was Oak Grove Elementary and now calls it the Infinite Potential Learning Academy.

The school just wrapped up its first full year in operation with a growing enrollment. 

The Black-owned and operated private school develops learning plans based on individual needs.

The Monroes said they want the educational experience to be more engaging.

“What we lacked growing up in this community was parent advocates, parents being a part of the learning process,” said Twanna.

They plan to offer an educational experience that reflects and benefits the local community. They also want to change the mindset surrounding education in this underserved community. 

“I grew up living in a household where education was not at the forefront of who you were and what it took to survive,” Twanna said.

Kori, who’s known as ‘Papa Rock’ to the students, said it’s not lost on him that he may be one of the few positive male role models the kids encounter. 

“My cup runneth over,” he said. “I’m blessed.” 

He says he’s grateful to be in a position to share with his students that you don’t have to be a product of your environment.

“I know what it is to see little boys angry,” he said. “I know where it comes from. If I can do anything to get rid of that, it’s worth it.“

Twanna said what’s happening outside the classroom also impacts what’s happening inside and she said that can present a challenge for educators today.

“Some kids live with other generations. Some kids told me their spot in the house is not a bed, it’s the floor. Some kids tell me they sleep in their car. We come from different walks of life, but it doesn’t mean we are not all valuable.” 

That’s the lesson the Monroes say they strive to teach and they hope the school lives up to its name: helping children realize and reach their infinite potential. 

He says he’s blessed to be in a position to share with his students that you don’t have to be a product of your environment.

“I know what it is to see little boys angry,” he explains. “I know where it comes from. If I can do anything to get rid of that, it’s worth it.“

Twanna says what’s happening outside the classroom also impacts what’s happening inside and she says that can present a challenge for educators today.

“Some kids live with other generations. Some kids told me their spot in the house is not a bed, it’s the floor. Some kids tell me they sleep in their car. We come from different walks of life but, it doesn’t mean we are not all valuable.” 

That’s the lesson the Monroes say they strive to teach and they hope the school lives up to its name helping children realize and reach their infinite potential.