UPPER SCHOOL
2026-2027
2026-2027
Dear Upper School Families,
Our halls and classrooms have been bustling as students completed their first full week of classes. Our 10th, 11th, and 12th grade Chargers have done a wonderful job welcoming our new 9th grade class; and it has been great to see students across grade levels reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
We’re now looking ahead to a busy Thursday evening on September 3.
The College Counseling Office will host parents / guardians of the Class of 2027 in the Janet Root Theatre to share important information about the college process, upcoming deadlines, and what families can expect in the months ahead.
Before Back to School Night, Upper School Counselor Brian Wiley and Upper School Learning Specialist Dr. Jennifer Hart will be in the Janet Root Theatre Lobby for families who would like to meet them. Band Director Esther Brier will also be available to meet with parents / guardians of students enrolled in Band.
We have a fun evening planned, with a few surprises along the way. After our opening program in the Janet Root Theatre, you’ll step into your student’s shoes and follow their schedule, moving from class to class in a compressed version of their school day. You’ll hear directly from teachers and get a taste of Upper School life for yourself.
As the new Head of Upper School, I’m particularly looking forward to Thursday night. I’ve spent these first weeks getting to know students and faculty, and I’m excited for the chance to meet more of you and give you a glimpse of the energy and community I get to see here every day.
I also had a great time cheering on our Chargers at JV and Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Football games this past week. I’m looking forward to attending many more athletic events throughout the year, and I hope you’ll join me in coming out to support our Chargers!
Students, faculty and staff are photographed annually for the Crestviews yearbook. School picture day for students in 5th-11th grades is on Thursday, September 3.
Parents will receive a link to digital proofs for ordering. A retake day opportunity will be available, date TBD.
An amazing US international travel opportunity is ocming July 2027 for current 9th-11th graders. Students will have the opportunity to visit Vienna, Prague and Budapest. Interested parents/students should attend the trip information session on Tuesday, September 15 at 7pm in the Ohana Community Room on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons - or email Kayla Brazee at kbrazee@shorecrest.org.
We’ve had a great start to the year, and now the real work of the school year is underway. Thank you for your partnership and for all you do to support our students and our school. I look forward to seeing many of you Thursday night.
Brendan Hoyle
Head of Upper School
bhoyle@shorecrest.org
727-456-7529
Thursday, September 3:
Yearbook Picture Day (MS/US)
College Counseling: Senior Launch (Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2027 only)
US Back to School Night (All US Parents/Guardians)
Monday, September 7: Labor Day - School Closed
Wednesday, September 9: College Counseling Meet & Greet
Tuesday, September 15:
First Year Foundation
Summer Europe trip info session
Student-specific announcements are shared by Student Council every Sunday on a site called "Student TWIUS" (This Week In The Upper School). This page is regularly updated by Dean Stacy Alexander.
CCO is the College Counseling Office at Shorecrest. Through an individualized approach, Chargers are coached to find a best match college or university that meets their needs, interests and expectations. In addition to one-on-one guidance and a strong network of connections with colleges, the CCO is also equipped with Cialfo, software designed specifically for research, organization, and communication during the college admissions process.
All Shorecrest parents/guardians are invited to learn more at these upcoming events:
College Counseling Meet and Greet - Wednesday, September 9, 9:15-10:15am in the Ohana Community Room on the 2nd floor of Charger Commons
First Year Foundation - Tuesday, September 15, 6pm in the Janet Root Theatre. Geared towards families of the Class of 2030. [9th Grade Families - Save the Date!]
The Shorecrest Advantage: Exploring Shorecrest Upper School - virtual on October 14, 7pm (more details to come)
Sophomore Strategies - January 12, 2027, 6pm in the JRT (more details to come) [10th Grade Families - Save the Date!]
CCO Showcase & Lunch and Learn Webinar Series - January 27, February 24, March 24 (more details to come)
Revolution Prep offers several different test preparation options. Below are two free live practice exam options. Be sure to check the Revolution Prep landing page for Shorecrest for all upcoming test prep events.
PSAT/NMSQT Practice Exam: Saturday, September 19, 9am-12pm live online
Digital ACT Practice Exam: Saturday, September 26, 9am-12pm live online
Register: www.revolutionprep.com/partners/shorecrestprep
Juniors and seniors are welcome to attend in-person college visits during the school day. In order to attend college visits, you must sign-up in Cialfo (Visit tab) at least 24 hours in advance. Meeting with the visiting college reps is a great way to learn more about each institution and show your demonstrated interest. Many colleges track attendance at programs such as school visits.
Notre Dame Admissions Information Session
Location: Jesuit High School
Date: Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm
Navigating College Costs - Hosted by Rice University
Location: Cristo Rey Tampa High School
Date: Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm
Launch (Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University, Washington University in St. Louis)
September 16 at 8pm
Peach State Tour (University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Augusta University)
September 16 - 8-9pm
Visit the Chargers Athletics website for all athletics paperwork requirements and practice details. Students must be cleared through the 2026-2027 athletic clearance system (not last year's) before they can participate in any practices. Step by step instructions are on the site.
Each year, this report gives us an opportunity to recognize the many donors and sponsors whose generosity strengthens Shorecrest. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chose to support our community this past year and proud to celebrate the collective generosity that makes so much possible.
We are excited to announce new additions and changes to our faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 school year.
All families have free access to the Shorecrest Parent app via the App Store and Google Play. The Shorecrest Parent app allows families to access all of their FACTS Family Portal information, including a family directory, schedules, billing information, and more. The Shorecrest app is also a hub for Monday Division Heads Letters, Shorecrest News archives and all-school emails, lunch information, links to documents like Handbooks and curriculum guides, and more.
Thursday, September 3, 9am at Bay Club Women's Boutique, 4401 4th Street N, St. Pete.
Beginner lessons and open play available. The link will take you to the instructor's calendar. Select September 3 and there will be 2 events to pick from. Proceeds benefit SCA! RESERVE TODAY
Get together with fellow Shorecrest Dads to kick-off the new school year & NFL season! Nothing fancy, everyone buys their own drinks and such. The intent is to provide an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other in a casual and social setting.
Thurssday, September 10 at 7pm at Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, 1320 Central Ave, St. Pete
RSVP to Wes Watkins at shorecrestdads@shorecrest.org. Not a school-sponsored event.
Learn how YOU can get involved with SCA this year. Coffee and lite bites provided!
Friday, September 11 at 8am in the MS/US Dining Room, Charger Commons.
Calling all Shorecrest Grandparents! The Grandparent Gatherings group invites you to enjoy an informal evening to connect with fellow grandparents, make new friends, and share the joy of your grandchild’s journey at Shorecrest.
Wednesday, September 16, 4:30pm at Colony Grill, 670 Central Ave, downtown St. Pete
Please RSVP by Friday, September 11, to Sarah Heibein, Associate Director of Advancement-Community Partnerships at sheibein@shorecrest.org.
Friday, September 18, 8:15am at Foxtail Coffee Co. 730 4th St N.
Shorecrest's International Connection (I.C.) is hosting a coffee meet up after morning drop-off. Open to all parents/guardians, grandparents, faculty and staff interested in international culture and cultural enrichment, including families who were born outside the US, who have spent time living abroad, who speak different languages at home or simply have an interest in this topic.
Wednesday, September 30 7-9pm at The Mandarin Hide: 231 Central Ave N, St. Pete.
presented by Mann Orthodontics
Saturday, September 19, 7-11pm at St. Pete Athletic
Serve up the new school year in style at this year’s SCA Soiree: Game. Set. Soiree! presented by Mann Orthodontics on Saturday, September 19, 7–11pm at St. Pete Athletic. You are cordially invited to an evening inspired by timeless country club charm, classic tennis traditions, and the spirit of our SCA community. Early bird pricing ends September 2!
Attire: Country club chic with a tennis-inspired twist. Think polished cocktail attire in crisp whites, classic greens, timeless burgundy, and collegiate navy. Tailored dresses, sport coats, blazers, pleated skirts, chic jumpsuits, loafers, and statement accessories are all welcome. Stay tuned for exclusive Shorecrest shopping opportunities with our official Styling Sponsor, Bay Club Women’s Boutique!
11am-4:30pm M-Th; 8am-4pm Fri
Visit the School Store to find Spirit Wear for the whole family, including PE clothes, joggers, T-shirts, plus snacks and drinks!
The School Store is cash-free; credit cards, checks, and Apple Pay accepted. Students under grade 9 must have parent/guardian present to purchase during the school day.