The Canterbury School of Florida Inc

What The Canterbury School of Florida Inc does

The Canterbury School of Florida Inc is a private, independent, co-educational college preparatory day school operating in the Episcopal tradition, founded in 1968 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. It serves students across a PK3-12 continuum organized into four sequential academic divisions — Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School — delivered across two physical campuses less than ten minutes apart: the Hough Campus (PK3 through Grade 4) at 1200 Snell Isle Blvd NE, and the Knowlton Campus (Grades 5 through 12) at 990 62nd Ave NE, with combined specialized facilities including the Cousteau Center for Marine Studies, Kenyon Field House Gymnasium, Michael Steven Rose Weight Room, Frank Hall Baseball Field, and Dollinger Auditorium. The school is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and uniquely holds the world-exclusive Cousteau Divers partner-school designation (since January 2012).

Core academic delivery combines a scientifically grounded, inquiry-based curriculum with five signature PK-12 programs: Marine Studies (anchored by the Cousteau Center for Marine Studies and Scuba Crew 210 biodiversity cataloging), Visual & Performing Arts, LEADS Character Development (Leadership, Ethics, Advocacy, Dignity, Service), no-cut Athletics (80%+ participation), and the weekly Chapel program. Technology infrastructure is standard edtech: Finalsite for the public website, Veracross for student information and admissions, FACTS for tuition assistance processing, one-to-one iPads in early grades, BYOD in the middle school with content filtering, and a robotics/STEAM lab plus MakerSpace.

The business model is a non-profit independent school revenue stack: primary recurring annual tuition (not publicly disclosed, billed per enrolled PK3-12 student with need-based aid via FACTS, three 50% merit scholarships per year, and non-stackable 10% sibling/alumni/military/Episcopal-parish discounts), supplemented by transactional revenue from $75 application fees, $25 summer camp registration fees plus per-camp charges (half-day and full-day, June through July), aftercare and after-school enrichment fees (chess, ballet, coding, music), and philanthropic revenue from the Annual Fund (with 100% Board of Trustees participation), Spring Gala, Tee It Up Golf Tournament, Canterbury Cup Fishing Tournament, and Spirit Store merchandise. GTM is direct-to-consumer with community-led demand generation: families inquire via the Veracross portal, schedule campus tours or shadow days, submit a $75 application, and complete rolling admission; the school has 79 faculty/staff listed, a 14-member Board of Trustees, and serves Tampa Bay plus international students via I-20 issuance (ineligible for financial aid).

Name

The Canterbury School of Florida Inc

Legal name

The Canterbury School of Florida Inc.

Website

https://canterburyflorida.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Canterbury School of Florida Inc is a private, independent, Episcopal-tradition PK3-12 college preparatory day school in St. Petersburg, Florida, founded in 1968, serving approximately 600-800 students across two campuses and uniquely holding the world-exclusive Cousteau Divers partner-school designation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Independent K-12 Day School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Nonsectarian Independent Day Schools (EDAJABAA)

Keywords

• Private K-12 education
• College preparatory schooling
• Independent day school
• Marine studies curriculum
• Character development programs

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Petersburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition: Primary recurring revenue from PK3 through Grade 12 day-school tuition, billed annually per enrolled student. Reduced via tuition assistance (need-based, processed through FACTS), merit scholarships covering 50% of tuition, and a set of non-stackable 10% discounts (sibling, alumni, active military, St. Thomas' Episcopal Church member).
2. Summer Camp Fees: Per-camp, non-refundable charges for half-day and full-day summer camps open to Canterbury and non-Canterbury families. Registration requires a $25 non-refundable application fee per camper; payment in full is due at registration. Camps run approximately June 1 - July 24.
3. Aftercare and After-School Enrichment Fees: Daily/monthly/annual aftercare plans plus semester-based enrichment classes (chess, ballet, coding, Snapology, music, etc.) for PK3-Grade 8. Programs range from one to eight weeks in length and are taught by independent instructors or Canterbury faculty/staff.
4. Philanthropic Giving (Annual Fund and Events): Donations through the Canterbury Fund / Annual Fund, 100% Board participation, and community fundraising events (Tee It Up Golf Tournament, Spring Gala, Canterbury Cup Fishing Tournament). Spirit Store merchandise sales also contribute ancillary revenue.
5. Admissions Application Fees: Non-refundable $75 application fee per student applying for admission, processed through the Veracross inquiry and enrollment portal.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Canterbury School of Florida Inc is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory independent day school operating across two campuses in St. Petersburg, Florida. It delivers continuous PK3 through Grade 12 instruction (Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with signature enrichment programs in Marine Studies (including the Cousteau Center for Marine Studies and Scuba Crew 210), Visual & Performing Arts, LEADS Character Development, no-cut Athletics, College Counseling, and weekly Chapel, plus after-school enrichment and a June-July summer-camp program open to Canterbury and non-Canterbury families.

Product overview

The Canterbury School of Florida Inc delivers a single integrated PK3-12 independent day school education across two campuses (Hough for PK3-Grade 4 and Knowlton for Grades 5-12) in St. Petersburg, Florida, organized as a layered architecture: four sequential academic divisions (Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) form the core platform, while a set of signature PK-12 programs (Marine Studies, Visual & Performing Arts, LEADS Character Development, Athletics, and the Chapel Program) and support services (College Counseling, After School Program, and Summer Programs/Camps) sit on top as enrichment modules. All programs operate under the unified Episcopal-tradition mission of "Enlightenment with Compassion" and are coordinated by a single administration under the Head of School.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Canterbury Crusaders: The athletic identity and mascot of Canterbury School of Florida; refers to the athletic teams and the Crusader mascot.
• Canterbury Singers
• LEADS (Character Development)

Products and services

• Early Childhood Program (PK3-Kindergarten) A developmentally appropriate program for PK3 through Kindergarten on the Hough Campus, using a science-based curriculum with the Motor Lab, enrichment in Music, Art, PE, Spanish, Library, and STEAM Lab, and core subjects including English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Science. Designed for families enrolling 3- to 6-year-old children at the Hough Campus (1200 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Petersburg, FL).
• Lower School Program (Grades 1-4) Program for Grades 1-4 on the Hough Campus using a scientifically based curriculum with inquiry-based learning, core subjects (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science), and enrichment in Art, Library, Music, PE, Spanish, and STEAM Lab, supported by field trips and a buddy program. Intended for families seeking a private college-preparatory foundation.
• Middle School Program (Grades 5-8) Program for Grades 5-8 on the Knowlton Campus that bridges Lower and Upper School with structured and experiential learning, class trips, field trips, Marine Studies integration, a BYOD program with digital textbooks, the MakerSpace, and academic support via the Center for Academic Success. Designed for families of adolescent students seeking a structured transitional program.
• Upper School Program (Grades 9-12) College-preparatory program for Grades 9-12 on the Knowlton Campus offering Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science, World Languages, Health & PE, and Visual & Performing Arts electives, integrated with educational technology, robotics, College Counseling, international travel opportunities, and Marine Biology/Oceanography. Designed for families seeking rigorous college preparation and Episcopal-tradition character development.
• Marine Studies Program A comprehensive PK3-12 program featuring the on-campus Cousteau Center for Marine Studies (CCMS) with laboratory, aquarium touch tanks, outdoor classroom, aquaponics, kayak and paddle board fleet, and a 23.5 ft. Sea Pro boat; includes SCUBA certification, Scuba Crew 210 biodiversity cataloging in the Gulf of Mexico, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Studies Research Capstone electives, and the annual Canterbury Cup Fishing Tournament. Canterbury is the only Cousteau Divers partner school in the world. Open to Canterbury students PK-12.
• Visual & Performing Arts Program PK-12 program covering Music & Band, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Industrial Arts, and Technical Theater, with enrichment clubs and honor societies including Music and Motion, Thespians & Jr. Thespians, and Canterbury Singers, culminating in performances at the Dollinger Center for the Arts. Open to Canterbury students PK-12.
• LEADS Character Development Program A PK-12 character and service program centered on Leadership, Ethics, Advocacy, Dignity, and Service, incorporating an Honor Code from PK3 through graduation, buddy mentorship, digital literacy, advisory, Compass new-student onboarding for grades 5-12, and service-learning partnerships with Benison Farm, Ronald McDonald House, Sallie House, Tampa Bay Watch, and the STEAM Gardens. Open to all Canterbury students.
• Athletics Program A PK-12 no-cut athletics program with over 80% student participation, offering Fall (Cheer, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Swimming, Volleyball), Winter (Basketball, Cheer, Soccer), and Spring (Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field) teams, supported by the Kenyon Field House Gymnasium, Michael Steven Rose Weight Room, Frank Hall Baseball Field, Football/Soccer Field, and Softball Field. Affiliated with FHSAA and recipient of the 2A State Sportsmanship Award. Open to Canterbury students.
• College Counseling Program Personalized college application guidance for Upper School students led by the Director of College Counseling, including support for student-athletes navigating NCAA eligibility and recruiting. Targeted at Canterbury Upper School students and families.
• After School Program (Aftercare & Enrichment) Aftercare for PK3-Grade 8 and semester-based After School Enrichment classes for PK3-Grade 4 with over 10 enrichment options per semester including Chess, Sewing, Ballet & Tap, Cool Coding with Scratch, and ASAP Tutoring, plus a Driver's Education Program on campus. Open to Canterbury and in some cases external students.
• Summer Programs (Camps) Half-day (9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.) and full-day (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) summer camps for PK3 through Grade 12, including Marine Studies camps, Theme Camps, Athletic Camps, and Academic Camps, with a non-refundable $25 annual application fee. Open to Canterbury and non-Canterbury families.
• Chapel Program Weekly Chapel services at Canterbury's Hough Campus (Thursday morning, PK3-Grade 4) and Knowlton Campus (Wednesday morning, Grades 5-12), aligned with the Episcopal tradition and LEADS Character Development, featuring student-led presentations and performances, plus a required Comparative Religions class for seniors. Open to Canterbury students across all divisions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 80% of the student body participates in at least one athletic team under a no-cut policy.
• +4 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major, core and minor.

• Cousteau DiversflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Canterbury is the only school in the world to be named a Cousteau Divers partner school, as announced by Pierre-Yves Cousteau in January 2012. The international not-for-profit partnership enables scientific programs that monitor and conserve marine biodiversity worldwide. Pierre-Yves Cousteau has flown from France to visit Canterbury several times and in 2012 went on a scuba dive with 14 upper school students at the St. Pete Beach reef.
• College of Marine Science at the University of South FloridamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal academic and research partner providing curriculum materials, facilities, and scientific expertise to support marine studies curriculum and fieldwork in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
• Eckerd CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal higher-education institution providing curriculum materials, facilities, and scientific expertise for marine studies and environmental education.
• U.S. Geological SurveymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal scientific agency providing curriculum materials, facilities, and scientific expertise that supports Canterbury's marine studies and environmental research.
• Florida Wildlife Research InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState wildlife research partner providing curriculum materials, facilities, and scientific expertise for the marine studies program.
• Tampa Bay WatchmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal environmental nonprofit that hosts coastal cleanups, habitat restoration, and field trips for Canterbury students; also a recurring LEADS service-learning partner.
• Tampa Bay Estuary ProgrammajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal environmental partner providing curriculum and program support tied to Tampa Bay, Florida's largest open water estuary.
• VeracrosscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline enrollment platform that powers admissions inquiry, application, family portal access, and rolling admission workflow at Canterbury School of Florida.
• FACTS (Renweb)coreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party service that processes tuition assistance applications, including federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, and supporting documentation for non-taxable income to determine family awards.
• Step Up For StudentsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerState K-12 scholarship program accepted by Canterbury to make private education financially accessible; families apply beginning in February each year.
• St. Thomas' Episcopal ChurchcoreOthersParish affiliation providing the school's Episcopal identity foundation; active members of St. Thomas' receive a 10% tuition discount (status confirmed by St. Thomas' leadership; only one discount may apply).
• Ronald McDonald House (Tampa Bay)minorOthersLEADS service-learning partner; Canterbury students volunteer to support families with children receiving medical treatment.
• Benison FarmminorOthersLEADS service-learning partner engaging students in sustainable agriculture and food-justice education.
• Sallie House (Salvation Army)minorOthersLEADS service-learning partner for Lower School students, providing volunteer opportunities serving individuals experiencing homelessness or economic challenges.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Clearwater Central Catholic High School: Independent, Catholic-affiliated 9-12 college-preparatory school in Clearwater, FL. Comparable on faith-based mission and college-prep academics but serves a narrower grade span and a different geographic pocket within the Tampa Bay area.
• Lake Highland Preparatory School: Large independent, nonsectarian PK-12 day school in Orlando, FL. Comparable on PK-12 college-prep model and signature athletics/arts but operates in a different Florida metro and does not directly compete for Tampa Bay families.

Direct peers

• Berkeley Preparatory School: Independent, Episcopal-affiliated K-12 day school in Tampa, FL, roughly 25 minutes from Canterbury. Closely comparable in mission, religious heritage, college-preparatory academics, and signature athletics/arts programs, and competes directly for Tampa Bay families across the same PK3-12 span.
• Admiral Farragut Academy: Independent K-12 day and boarding school in St. Petersburg, FL. Competes in the same local market with a similarly broad PK-12 offering and signature specialty programs (maritime/leadership), making it a head-to-head competitor for Tampa Bay families.
• Tampa Preparatory School: Independent, nonsectarian 6-12 college-preparatory school in downtown Tampa. Comparable on college-prep mission and signature athletics/academics, and competes for Tampa Bay middle- and upper-school families who might otherwise choose Canterbury's Knowlton Campus.
• Jesuit High School of Tampa: Independent, Catholic-affiliated all-boys 9-12 college-preparatory school in Tampa. Comparable on faith-affiliated mission, signature athletics (state-level success), and Tampa Bay family market; competes specifically for Canterbury's upper-school cohort.
• All Saints' Academy: Independent, Episcopal/Anglican-affiliated PK-12 day school in Winter Haven/Lakeland, FL. Comparable on Episcopal tradition, PK-12 span, college-preparatory mission, and signature athletics/arts; competes for Central Florida families.
• Shorecrest Preparatory School: Independent, nonsectarian college-preparatory day school in St. Petersburg, FL, located within a few miles of Canterbury. Directly comparable on PK3-12 grade span, college-prep mission, tuition-funded model, and Tampa Bay family market.
• Saint Stephen's Episcopal School: Independent, Episcopal-affiliated PK-12 day school in Bradenton, FL, within an hour of Canterbury. Closely comparable on Episcopal identity, PK-12 college-prep mission, athletics/arts programming, and Gulf Coast family market.

Broad incumbents

• Pine Crest School: Large, established independent PK-12 day school in Fort Lauderdale, FL with multiple campuses. Comparable on independent day-school model, signature athletics/academics, and Florida family market, but operates at materially larger scale than Canterbury.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CanterburyFL
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/canterburyflorida
• Facebookfacebook.com/CanterburySchoolofFlorida
• Instagraminstagram.com/canterbury_fl/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/canterbury-school-of-florida

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles30 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Canterbury School of Florida Inc