The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) has named Morning Star School in Tampa as a 2018-2019 School of Excellence.

This honor is bestowed upon private special education schools throughout the United States that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education.

“We strive to create an environment where children can reach their full potential. Our classrooms are small (10:1 teacher student ratio) and we really get to know our students and provide individualized instruction that meets their particular needs,” said Eileen Odom, Principal, Morning Star Catholic School, Tampa.

Morning Star School will be celebrating 60 years of serving the community during the 2018-2019 school year.

“We have a long history of meeting the needs of students with learning challenges in Tampa Bay,” added Odom.

The school serves students in grades 1-8 and there are close to 80 students currently enrolled. Over their history, they have received other honors as well. In 1983, Morning Star School was cited as one of the exemplary programs for special needs students in the Southeast from the publication Schools for the Learning Disabled: A Selective Guide to LD Programs.  Also, in 2011, the school was selected to be the first of 1,000 schools or communities in the world to receive a grant from Scotts Miracle-Gro’s initiative for the development of an interactive garden at the school.

Morning Star School is part of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The school’s mission is to challenge students with learning disabilities and other related difficulties to succeed at their optimal level while creating readiness for growth, service and sharing God’s love in the global community.