- Jun 29
- 3 min read
For more than four decades, Minister Kevin Parrott has worked in education. He is currently bringing that experience to the next chapter of Mt. Zion Christian Academy and Performing Arts in South St. Petersburg.
Parrott, who serves as principal of the academy, says the school is continuing to grow academically and creatively while preparing to expand to eighth grade next school year.
“We have some exciting things going on here at Mount Zion Christian Academy,” Parrott said. “We are constantly evolving and growing numerically and educationally.”
The academy combines traditional academics with a strong emphasis on performing arts, giving students opportunities to explore music and visual arts while also strengthening core learning skills.
“We have some great things going on from our STEM program to our music and arts, visual arts, theater, dance, band, and instrumental,” Parrott said. “We have a lot of exciting things to help our children grow and to develop in their lives.”
Focus on literacy and academic growth
Like many schools across the country, Parrott said one of the biggest challenges educators are facing is helping students improve in reading and math. He said the academy has made literacy and academic enrichment a major priority.
“Globally, when we deal with most of our school-aged children, there are challenges in reading and in math,” he said. “So, we’re really focusing on multifaceted literacy.”
The school hosts programs throughout the year aimed at bringing families into the learning process, including literacy and STEM-centered events.
“There are times throughout the year that we have Family Literacy Night, we have Math Science Night, so we’re really focused and honing in on reading, math, and cultural studies,” said Parrott.
A gold mine in South St. Pete
Parrott believes the academy fills an important gap in South St. Petersburg by offering students access to a full performing arts education in a private school setting.
“What makes us different, we’re in South Side Saint Pete, and there’s really no other private school in this area that offers the full spectrum of the performing arts,” he said.
Parrott called the surrounding community “a gold mine” filled with talented children who simply need opportunities and support to thrive.
“We have some very gifted children in this community and in this school,” he said.
He also believes the arts can play a major role in helping students build confidence in their day-to-day lives.
“The arts create character,” Parrott said. “We have studied and found that children who are involved in the arts, their lives do transform.”
“This allows them that safe space to come and express themselves artistically,” he said.
Preparing students beyond the classroom
Along with academics and arts education, Parrott said the academy places a strong focus on character development, conflict resolution, and financial literacy.
“When we talk about classroom size, that one-on-one attention, and just that whole learning of character development, conflict resolution, financial literacy, everything that helps them grow in their life,” he said.
One of the school’s priorities is teaching students how to navigate different situations.
“Our biggest thing here is teaching our children how to behave and how to act in certain situations,” he said. “Because our children are extremely smart. They just need those avenues to be able to show that.”
“This is a great place to have your child,” Parrott said. “Where they’re comfortable, where they’re safe, where they’re well fed. We do field trips and all of that kind of stuff because I believe in a creative and innovative teaching and learning environment.”
Enrollment growing ahead of new school year
The academy is already seeing strong enrollment numbers ahead of the upcoming school year. Parrott said some grade levels are nearly full, with waiting lists expected soon.
“We are at some high numbers right now,” Parrott said. “If you’re looking at enrolling your child here at the academy, I would suggest that you get in here quick, fast, and in a hurry.”
According to Parrott, seventh-grade enrollment has already closed, and sixth-grade enrollment is close behind.
He hopes families looking for a supportive and creative environment will consider the academy as it continues expanding its programs and outreach in the community.
For more info contact info@mzprogressive.org.