Somerset University Preparatory Academy has announced it will open a private elementary school in Building 85 on the University of West Florida campus in January. The semester tuition is $3,750, with a $100 registration fee.
Principal Lourdes Isla’s Message:
“Dear Families,
It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to a new school year.
Our commitment to academic excellence remains at the heart of everything we do, and we believe in preparing every student for success in college, careers, and life.
But academics are only part of the story. At Somerset University Preparatory Academy, students are immersed in a vibrant and well-rounded educational experience and as the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence, and shine.
What truly sets us apart is our strong sense of family and community. Somerset University Preparatory Academy is more than a school—it’s a place to belong. We are proud to foster a culture of collaboration and connection, where students, parents, and staff work together to support one another and celebrate each success along the way.
We look forward to a year filled with growth, opportunity, and continued excellence. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. It is an honor to partner with you as we begin an incredible school year.”
BACKGROUND
In September, Interim President Manny Diaz announced he was exploring establishing a K-3 school that would be tuition-free. We do not know if the charter school is paying rent for use of Building 85, which houses the School of Education.
From: University News <news@uwf.edu>
Date: Fri, Sep 19, 2025, 13:03
Subject: Opportunity: New K-3 School on Campus – Interest Survey
To: Facstaff <facstaff@uwf.edu>
The University of West Florida is exploring the possibility of establishing a tuition-free, K-3 elementary school on campus. At this stage, we would like to learn more about the level of interest within our UWF community.
If pursued, the school would be part of UWF’s School of Education, creating valuable hands-on experiences for our education students, while offering enrolled children access to innovative curriculum and instruction.
Before we want to hear from you. Would you be interested in enrolling your child or supporting a program like this? Please take a few minutes to complete our brief survey: https://forms.gle/x8QaRSr2gyqvhJCd7
Your input will help us understand whether this opportunity is something our community wants and values.
We appreciate your feedback as we explore this idea.
At yesterday’s public forum, Diaz said that was nothing was final about the school. Somerset University Preparatory Academy is not the agenda of today’s Board of Trustees meeting.
The Diaz Connection
Somerset Academy is a large Florida-based charter school network that began in 1997 with a small K–5 charter school in Miramar. Somerset operates several dozen charter schools, with a heavy presence in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and additional campuses in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Duval, Jefferson County, and the Florida Keys.
- Manny Diaz Jr. has indirect but significant connections to Somerset Academy through his long?standing ties to Academica and Doral College, which work closely with the Somerset network.
From 2013 to 2022, Diaz worked as chief operating officer at Doral College, which was created in 2010 to offer advanced courses at charter schools, including Somerset Academy schools, and Doral College offers dual?enrollment courses on Somerset campuses.
Somerset University Preparatory Academ’s principal, Lourdes Isla, is a former Doral College Dean of Students.
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