Constructed in 1962, our building opened as the Interbay Branch of the Boys Clubs of Tampa. At the time, the facility boasted an indoor pool, gym, rec center, auto shop — even a shooting range! In 1981, the Interbay branch pioneered a movement by hosting the pilot program to include girls in its programming. One year after that, the Boys Clubs of Tampa officially changed its name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa, and our branch carried on as such for another 30 years.

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Across five decades of operation, thousands of children have benefited from the enrichment opportunities offered here, like three-time Olympic champion Brooke Bennett, who embarked on her swimming career right here under our roof. Eventually, a lack of funding created financial challenges, and the once-proud facility began to decline. The building was even being used at one point for Hillsborough County out-of-school suspensions.

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In 2013, two forward-looking, community-oriented individuals purchased the building and began shaping it into The Prep of South Tampa. Operating under the ethos that body, mind and spirit intertwine to shape a person’s character, we’ve been restoring the facility and expanding our programming ever since.

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In May 2024, the building came under new management - South Tampa Microschool. Not only is The Prep now home to a PreK-6th grade private school, but also many new community-based sport and enrichment programs! Check out our Programs and Birthday Parties programming to learn more about your future involvement at The Prep!