Tampa, Florida’s Pepin Academies charter network serves over 1,200 students with disabilities in grades 3-12 across three campuses. A 2025 Yass Prize Finalist and recognized for being a Sustainable model , Pepin uses a set of unique methodologies to reimagine what is possible for students, while operating on 99% public funding.
Educating students since 1999, Pepin has always been committed to the powerful vision: “Where belonging leads to learning.”
“If we believe that disability affects learning, we have to meet it head on,” shared Executive Director Jeff Skowronek. Their transformational approach makes Therapy not a pull-out service but a fully integrated part of daily instruction.
Accommodations are embedded into everything they do – from seven classroom seating options to softened lighting and white noise systems – all designed to promote independence for learners.
“What I love about Pepin is we have the flexibility to do what is needed for the child and meet them where they are,” shared one of the occupational therapists. “It was hard to reach kids in the way I wanted to at my former school because I only saw them for 20 minutes. Here at Pepin, I understand the demands of classroom learning and can address them directly in real time.”
At Pepin ESE (Exceptional Student Education) specialists walk alongside parents and students to navigate and truly understand the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. But Pepin is not defined solely by its therapeutic supports – it is defined by the student experience.
“Arts are an absolute,” Jeff emphasized, which stems from his personal love for the arts. From performances of The Wizard of Oz to monologues from Shakespeare, theater is embedded into their academics and culture.
Career and Technical Education is equally central. Pepin’s transition program has grown from 24 to 80 students in just two years, serving young adults ages 18 to 22 who work real jobs for real pay with job coach support four times per week. With 14 job-site partners, from AdventHealth to the Florida Aquarium, 60% of seniors participate in the program, building independence and confidence at the same time.
In the small engine repair class, students bring motors, boats, and equipment back to life — learning not only mechanics, but also important skills such as invoicing, supplier relations, and entrepreneurship. A 2020 graduate who now owns his own mobile marine mechanic business returns weekly to mentor students and provide real customer projects for students to work on.
At Pepin’s culinary program, students operate “The Falcons Nest”, a student-run soup and sandwich business serving the school and community. Through hands-on learning, students master customer service, budgeting, timing, and teamwork. “Our responsibility is to find everyone’s potential,” Jeff said.
To enjoy more photos from this inspiring visit, please view the full gallery here.
Visiting Old Friends
Our trip through Florida also provided an opportunity to catch-up with a couple of amazing Yass Prize alumni – SailFuture and Primer.
SailFuture’s (2022 Yass Prize Finalist) designed a learning environment where students within foster care, in trouble or at risk can gain education and access to employment through paid apprenticeships.
This is not just a school. It’s a learning ecosystem that literally takes high school age students around the world to refocus and repair what education should be for students who have revolted against their education.
Primer (2024 Yass Prize Winner) is creating student-centered microschools to make personalized and exceptional education accessible for all students and giving great teachers the tools to create their own schools.
Setting up microschools in states like Arizona and Florida that provide a sustainable and reliable stream of funding for student choices, Primer removes financial barriers for families and widens access to exceptional schooling. Big things are about to happen for them in Texas as well. Stay tuned!