TAMPA, Fla. — St. Peter Claver Catholic School is the oldest historically Black primary school in the state of Florida.

And now, more than 130 years after opening, the school will be part of history once again: It will become the first Catholic microschool in the state.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Peter Claver Catholic School was established in 1894

  • It will become the state's first Catholic microschool in the 2025-2026 school year

  • The school will be operating on a class sponsorship model, and it is currently looking for local businesses or corporations interested in participating

School principal John Davidson said the idea to become a microschool came from the school’s “Legacy Launch Pad,” and he says now, they will be able to better serve their students.

“The school was originally designed to educate the African American students when no one else would,' he said. "The school was actually burnt down within eight days of opening. But here we are, 131 years now."

Given the school's unique historical significance, Davidson said it is also important to look to the future, and to maintain the school’s legacy. After doing a lot of research and planning, he said the Diocese just approved St. Peter Claver’s next step top become a microschool.

“St. Peter Claver Catholic School will become the first Catholic microschool, so we’re very excited about it because this will give more individualized attention and focus to students in each of the classrooms,” Davidson said.

With less than 100 students enrolled, Davidson says the transition to become a microschool next school year should be seamless. Current students will receive first priority and preference, but new students are also welcome to apply.

“There will be more personalized learning experiences, and the smaller class sizes will strengthen the student-teacher relationships and foster creativity, critical thinking, and we’ll be able to integrate technology and real world experiences,” he said.

Davidson said the things that make the school so special will never change, no matter how big, or small, the school becomes.

“Our students know that they’re loved, and that’s the biggest thing," he said.

The school will be operating on a class sponsorship model, and it is currently looking for local businesses or corporations interested in participating. Anyone interested in learning more about the microschool model can contact the school for more information.