Gotha, Florida · August 27, 1990
Central Florida Community School opens in a converted warehouse
On August 27, 1990, Bob and Rowena Flanders opened Central Florida Community School in a converted warehouse on Hempel Avenue in Gotha, Florida, with seven students. The local paper covered it: a school for students who weren't being served by the schools around them, built by two educators who believed children should be taught how to think rather than what to think.
The school grew into Central Florida Preparatory School, moved to a purpose-built campus in Apopka in 2020, and today serves more than 630 students from PreK through 12. Everything Clear Direction Schools does began in that building.
About Clear Direction Schools
Clear Direction Schools is a family company that builds and operates independent schools in Florida. Founded in 1990, it works with two schools, Central Florida Preparatory School in Orlando and Crestwell School in Fort Myers, nearly 1,000 students in all, and with other independent schools on acquisitions, management, and campus development. Press and company inquiries: [email protected] or 407-625-6207.
More news
Crestwell School's middle school expansion moves into pre-construction · September 20, 2026
Seven guides for school founders and boards, and a succession readiness checklist · September 19, 2026
Clear Direction Schools introduces its company identity and a new website · September 17, 2026