PAUL B. STEPHENS ESE CENTER

PAUL B. STEPHENS ESE CENTER is a Title I public school that is part of the PINELLAS school district, located in CLEARWATER, FL with about 179 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 39 teachers, PAUL B. STEPHENS ESE CENTER has a student/teacher ratio of about 4:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

PAUL B. STEPHENS ESE CENTER, located in Clearwater, Florida, is a specialized educational facility within the Pinellas County School District dedicated exclusively to serving students with significant disabilities. The school provides a highly supportive and structured learning environment for students ranging from pre-kindergarten through age 22. Its mission focuses on fostering independence and functional skill development, tailoring individualized education programs (IEPs) to meet the unique physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs of each student in a safe, compassionate setting.

The curriculum at Paul B. Stephens emphasizes life skills, communication, and vocational readiness, ensuring that students receive the specialized attention required to help them reach their maximum potential. The center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team—including highly trained ESE teachers, therapists, and support personnel—who collaborate to provide comprehensive care and instruction. By integrating academic learning with essential daily living skills and community-based experiences, the school aims to empower its students to navigate their environments with as much autonomy as possible.

For more information, contact PAUL B. STEPHENS ESE CENTER at (727) 725-7982 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.