5 Transformative Programs At North Tampa EPIC3 Center: Unlocking The Mystery Of Success

Contents
The phrase "North Tampa Epic 3" does not refer to a single sporting event or concert, but rather the North Tampa EPIC3 Center, a vital and highly specialized public alternative school operating within the Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) system. As of December 2025, this center is at the forefront of providing structured support and personalized education to students in grades 6–12 who have struggled in traditional school environments, making it a crucial entity in the Tampa education landscape. The school’s model focuses intensely on transforming academic performance and career readiness through its unique programs, which are continually updated to meet the current needs of its approximately 124 students. The center—also known as the North Tampa Success Center—is a cornerstone of alternative education, moving beyond disciplinary measures to offer a holistic approach to student development. Its reputation is built on a commitment to smaller class sizes, a high student-to-teacher ratio of around 16 to 1, and a suite of specialized programs designed to re-engage students and put them on a definitive path toward graduation and future career success. The mystery behind the "EPIC3" designation is intrinsically tied to its core mission: a multi-faceted approach to student empowerment and a commitment to three foundational pillars of growth.

Leadership and Center Profile: The Driving Force Behind EPIC3

The success of the North Tampa EPIC3 Center is largely attributed to its dedicated leadership and administrative team, who champion the school’s unique mission within the Hillsborough County Public Schools framework. This team provides the essential structured support that alternative education students require.
  • Full Name: North Tampa EPIC3 Center (also North Tampa Success Center)
  • Location: Tampa, Florida
  • School District: Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS)
  • Type: Public Alternative School
  • Grades Served: 6–12
  • Student Enrollment: Approximately 124 students
  • Principal: Dr. Shonda Flores, Ph.D., MBA
  • Assistant Principal (AP): Larry (Glen) Bramlett
  • Assistant Principal (AP): Charles Butts
  • Mission Focus: Providing structured support and specialized academic/career programs for students struggling in traditional school settings.
Dr. Shonda Flores, the Principal, is a certified Life Coach and a key figure in the Tampa education community, bringing a background as an Assistant Principal at Tomlin Middle School and a focused commitment to workforce readiness to the center. Her leadership ensures the curriculum is both rigorous and relevant, preparing students not just for graduation, but for real-world employment and post-secondary opportunities.

The Core Mission: Unpacking the "EPIC3" Model

While the official acronym for "EPIC3" is not widely published, its operational meaning is clear within the context of Hillsborough County's alternative education model. The "EPIC" component represents the school's commitment to a holistic, personalized approach, while the "3" likely refers to the three core areas of student transformation: Academics, Behavior, and Career Readiness. The model is designed to provide a highly structured and supportive environment for students with disciplinary issues or those who have fallen significantly behind in credits. The curriculum includes core subjects like reading, writing, math, and science, but the delivery is highly individualized to meet the unique needs of each student. This alternative model emphasizes:
  • Empowerment and Engagement: Re-engaging students through relevant, hands-on learning.
  • Personalized Learning: Tailoring the pace and content to individual needs and learning styles.
  • Individual Goals: Focusing on specific academic and vocational targets for each student.
  • Career Readiness: Integrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) to ensure job skills.
The combination of structured support and specialized vocational pathways is what defines the EPIC3 Center as a critical Success Center for the North Tampa community.

5 Transformative Programs Driving Student Success in Tampa

The North Tampa EPIC3 Center leverages several high-impact, specialized programs that distinguish it from traditional high schools. These programs are the lifeblood of the center, providing students with tangible skills and clear pathways to their future.

1. The Medical Academy

The Medical Academy is one of the most significant vocational offerings at the center. This program provides hands-on, career-focused training in the healthcare field, a highly in-demand sector in the Tampa Bay area. Students in the Medical Academy gain foundational knowledge and skills that can lead directly to entry-level employment or further post-secondary medical training. This early exposure to a professional career path is a powerful motivator for students who may have previously lacked direction.

2. The EVOLVE Program

The EVOLVE program is a key component of the center's holistic approach. While specific details of the acronym are proprietary, the program focuses on social-emotional learning and behavioral modification. It is designed to help students address the underlying issues that led to their struggles in a traditional setting, providing them with the emotional and psychological tools necessary for success both in school and in life. This structured support system is crucial for long-term student stability and achievement.

3. High School and Middle School Acceleration Programs

The Acceleration Programs are essential for credit recovery and graduation readiness. These programs allow students to work at an accelerated pace to make up missed credits, ensuring they can graduate on time or catch up to their peers. This targeted academic intervention is a primary reason why the Success Center model is so effective, preventing students from giving up on their education due to overwhelming credit deficits.

4. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways

Beyond the Medical Academy, the North Tampa EPIC3 Center integrates robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses across multiple disciplines. The goal of the CTE curriculum is to offer students opportunities to earn highly valued Industry Certifications before they even leave high school. These certifications provide immediate, marketable skills, significantly boosting a student's employability and earning potential right after graduation. The focus on real-world skills is a core tenet of the EPIC3 model.

5. Community and Workforce Partnerships

Although not a single program, the center’s strong ties to the local community and workforce are a major factor in its success. By hosting annual expos and engaging with community partners, the school ensures its students are exposed to opportunities and resources outside of the classroom. This network is vital for transitioning students from the alternative school environment into successful careers or higher education, reinforcing the school's mission to create productive, engaged citizens.

The Future of Alternative Education in North Tampa

The North Tampa EPIC3 Center represents a modern, progressive approach to alternative education in Florida. It is a model that recognizes the need for specialized environments, not as a punishment, but as a path to personalized success. By focusing on individualized instruction, behavioral support through programs like EVOLVE, and highly relevant career training through the Medical Academy and CTE pathways, the center ensures that every student has the tools to overcome previous academic and behavioral obstacles. The commitment of Principal Dr. Flores and her team to continuous program enhancement, including planning for the 2025–2026 academic calendar, solidifies the center’s role as a beacon of hope and a true "Success Center" for the North Tampa community.
5 Transformative Programs at North Tampa EPIC3 Center: Unlocking the Mystery of Success
north tampa epic 3
north tampa epic 3

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