AMIkids Maritime Academy

At AMIkids Maritime Academy, we believe every young person has the potential to chart their own course. Through hands-on learning, real-world experiences and opportunities to explore what interests them, we help students discover their strengths, build confidence and navigate what comes next. As an A-rated, Cognia-accredited school, Maritime provides credits that meet all requirements for high school graduation and beyond.

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Our Story

Empowering youth to discover their potential

AMIkids Maritime Academy is a tuition-free, Cognia-accredited, A-rated public charter high school in downtown Panama City, Florida, where students can turn their interests into real-world skills and explore multiple pathways to college and careers.

Located directly on St. Andrews Bay, Maritime is the only high school in Bay County where students can access the water directly from campus. With a private beach and dock, our waterfront becomes a living classroom where students can learn through sailing, seamanship, lifeguarding, marine science, environmental projects and hands-on water activities.

And the opportunities start early. Students can earn industry certifications such as CPR, boater safety and lifeguarding while completing their academic coursework. They can also explore specialized pathways in Leadership, Construction, Aerospace and maritime careers, with opportunities to earn college credit through dual enrollment.

Through block scheduling, students have the time and space to take learning beyond the classroom without leaving their academics behind. They can learn by doing, discover what excites them, build practical skills and see where their potential can take them.

At Maritime, the water isn’t just where we are. It’s how we learn. And it’s where possibilities begin.

Academic Programs

Courses

English Language Arts (4 Credits Required)

– English 1 / English 1 Honors
– English 2 / English 2 Honors
– English 3 / ENC1101*
– English 4 / ENC1102*
– Intensive Reading (only for students needing extra help with reading)

* Dual enrollment (college credit) classes may be added in junior and senior years.

Mathematics (4 Credits Required)

– Algebra 1A/1B
– Algebra 1 / Algebra 1 Honors
– Geometry / Geometry Honors
– Algebra II / Algebra II Honors
– Trigonometry
– Pre-Calculus
– Calculus

* Dual enrollment (college credit) classes may be added in junior and senior years.

Science (3 credits (2 with lab) required)

– Marine Science / Marine Science Honors
– Environmental Science / Environmental Science Honors
– Biology / Biology Honors

Social Studies (3 Credits Required)

– World History
– US History
– American Government
– Economics with Financial Literacy

Practical Fine Arts

– Aerospace Engineering

World Languages (2 Credits Required)

– Spanish 1
– Spanish 2

Physical Education

– Personal Fitness (online through FLVS)
– Outdoor Education
– Water Safety

Electives

Embry-Riddle Aerospace Pathway
Classes in this pathway are dual enrolled (college credit).
– Private Pilot Ground School
– Unmanned Aircraft Systems
– UAS Security
– UAS Ops Cross-Country Data
– UAS Applications in Aerial Photography

Leadership Pathway
– Leadership Skills Development
– Leadership Techniques
– Leadership Strategies Approaches to Leadership

Construction Pathway
– Building Trades and Construction Design Technologies 1
– Building Trades and Construction Design Technologies 2
– Building Trades and Construction Design Technologies 3
– Building Trades and Construction Design Technologies 4

Aerospace Institute

Dual enrollment Aerospace classes are available in association with the Gaetz Aerospace Institute at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

– Private Pilot Ground School
– Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
– UAS Security
– UAS Ops Cross Country Data
– UAS Applications in Aerial Photography

Clubs and Activities

Challenge Course

Includes a low ropes course and a high ropes course. Through a combination of mental and physical challenges, participants work as a team to accomplish goals. Through a series of fun and unusual activities, participants learn valuable information about themselves and each other. Collaboration and teamwork is an important skill for learners of the 21st century.

Flight Simulators

Our new FAA-approved flight trainers can help you get on your journey to a pilot’s license. The trainers are so realistic that the FAA allows the recording of flight hours towards certification. The simulators also have a training program included that will teach you how to fly and follow all of the FAA rules that a pilot needs to know. They complement the Gaetz Aerospace Institute program run by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University at the Maritime Academy because Remote Pilots (drones) also need to know the same basic information as a pilot to earn their license. Classes at the Maritime Academy prepare you for both exams.

Underwater Remote Operated Vehicles

Maritime Academy students can complete a training program on the Videoray Pro 4 and earn an industry-recognized certification as an operator. Our remote-operated vehicles (ROV) are the industry standard for small underwater ROVs. They can reach depths up to 1000’ and have video, camera, sonar, hydrographic sensing (water temp, salinity, PH, turbidity) capabilities, and grapples to grab and manipulate items. Students also learn how to build a basic ROV and can compete in local competitions. The Maritime Academy partners with Huntington Ingalls Industries, a local manufacturer of underwater submersible technology, to expose the students to the latest technology.

Naval Leadership

Students can choose this as an elective or attend monthly weekend drills at the Academy to provide leadership, team-building, and skill-building opportunities. Students can also choose to be on the Drill Team or Color Guard. Advanced classes in Naval Special Warfare (SEAL, Marine Recon/Raider, US Army SF, USAF Parajumper) will be held during the voluntary weekend drills for those who are interested. These classes include SCUBA, Small boat operations, Firearms Safety, land navigation, patrolling, use of drones, marksmanship, rappelling, and more.

Sailing Team

The Maritime Academy is forming an interscholastic sailing team that will compete in the 420 category of the SEISA Region. The team will travel to Pensacola, Louisiana, and Atlanta to compete against other High School teams from the Southeast. Sail training occurs after school on campus on Maritime Academy boats with out staff sailing coaches. The 420 class also competes at the collegiate and Olympic levels so students can continue their sports track all the way through college.

SCUBA Team

PADI scuba classes are available for students at the Maritime Academy. Classes start at Open Water Diver and progress through Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and various specialties such as Deep Diver, Equipment Specialist, Boat Diver, Underwater Navigation, Coral Reef Conservation, Fish Identification, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, and more! The Maritime Academy conducts summer dives for certified students and an annual Florida Keys dive trip.

Civil Air Patrol

Eligible students can join the Civil Air Patrol and attend meetings at the school. Members will learn about the USAF and can participate in CAP activities such as disaster relief and tours of aviation commands and activities. They may also apply for scholarships for flight lessons. There is a fee to cover uniforms and some off-campus trips.
Click here for more information.

Sea Cadets

The United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a US Navy/USMC/USCG-sponsored organization dedicated to helping our students develop great character traits and practice leadership skills while learning about career paths in the Maritime Services. The Sea Cadets meet at the Maritime Academy once a month on a Saturday, and enrollment is open to any eligible Bay County youth ages 10-18. Cadets wear uniforms, attend Recruit Training camp, and can attend Advanced camps throughout the United States. Locally, we have training in Amphibious Reconnaissance, small boat handling, tours of the Navy Base, including Dive School and the Experimental Dive Unit, and field operations such as navigation and patrolling. Cadets who meet requirements are eligible for rank advancement if they enlist in the actual service branch. Click here for more information.

Beta Club

National Beta is dedicated to leading by serving others. Our four pillars are the perfect summation of the core of National Beta. The Beta community recognizes high academic achievement, rewards and nurtures worthy character, fosters leadership skills, and encourages service to others. Being a Beta means being a part of a community of leaders who are positively impacting the world.

Robotics

Students can participate in underwater robotics competitions and land-based robotics competitions. They will learn to build their own robots and compete regionally.

School Information

Block Scheduling

Maritime Academy uses a block schedule with four 90-minute periods per school day.  This allows for maximum credit completion of up to 8 credits per year instead of the typical seven credits offered by most high schools.  Block scheduling provides greater flexibility in pupil progression and time for daily student support from teachers and peers.  Block scheduling allows time for collaboration and completion of activities without disrupting the regular student schedule.

Period (Block) Schedule:

Large Group:    8:30– 8:40
Period 1:   8:43– 10:13
Period 2:   10:16 – 11:46
Lunch:   11:49– 12:19
Period 3:   12:25 – 1:55
Period 4:   1:58 – 3:28

*Breakfast is available 8:15 – 8:30 am for students

Enrollment

The Maritime Academy serves Bay County students in grades 9-12 who are eligible to attend a public school in Bay County. In compliance with Florida Statute 1002.33(10), the Academy serves any eligible students who complete the application process within the established and posted timelines. If more applications are received than capacity allowed in a program, class, grade level, or building prior to the registration deadline, then all applicants will be entered into an equal chance random selection lottery operated by a third party.  Maritime Academy does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, or marital status. Maritime Academy complies with applicable federal standards in the U.S. Department of Education Charter School Program, Title V, Part B ESEA, Non-Regulatory Guidance, Section E.  Maritime Academy complies with Florida Statute 1002.31 School Choice legislation by allowing parents whose children are eligible to enroll their child into our school, and to transport their child to our school. The Maritime Academy gives enrollment preference to:

● Students who are siblings of a student enrolled in the charter school
● Students who are the children of an employee of the charter school

Students with disabilities and those served in English for Speakers of Other Languages programs have an equal opportunity to be selected for enrollment in the Academy.

 

For the 2025-2026 School Year

Grade Capacity

Available Slots

9

45

21

10

45

30

11

45

35

12 45

31

(Last updated 01/13/2026)

Student Support Services

Before, during and after school academic tutoring is available for students. Referrals to counseling services are also available for interested families.

Academic Performance

AMIkids Maritime Academy is an A-rated school for the 2025–2026 school year, offering a tuition-free, college-preparatory education with a focus on hands-on maritime and STEM learning.

Special Announcements

Special Announcements

Maritime Academy Named a 2026 Yass Prize Contender

Honored to be one of 26 education innovators selected from nearly 3,000 applicants nationwide.

We believe students learn best when learning feels real.

That belief is at the heart of AMIkids Maritime Academy, and we’re incredibly honored that the 2026 Yass Prize has recognized our school as one of just 26 contenders selected from nearly 3,000 applicants nationwide.

The Yass Prize recognizes education innovators who are creating new possibilities for students and proving that education does not have to look the same for every learner. Maritime is now in contention for the $1 million Yass Prize and will advance to the 2026 Yass Prize Accelerator alongside this year’s cohort of education innovators.

So, what makes Maritime different?

We give students opportunities to take learning beyond the traditional classroom and into the world around them.

A marine science lesson can become hands-on exploration. A STEM concept can become a real-world challenge to solve. Environmental science can mean helping protect the waters and ecosystems around us. And an interest in the maritime world can become the beginning of a career.

Through hands-on maritime education, STEM learning, environmental experiences, career-connected opportunities and our new Sea Turtle Rescue Lab, students have opportunities to learn by doing, discover what interests them and see where those interests can take them.

We’re proud that the Yass Prize sees the potential in this approach and recognizes the students and educators who bring it to life every day.

Thank you to the Yass Prize for giving Maritime a place among this incredible group of education innovators. We’re proud to represent our students, our school and our community on a national stage.

And we’re just getting started.

Learn more about the 2026 Yass Prize Contenders

Leadership

AMIkids Maritime Academy is led by their respective Principal and a volunteer board of community leaders, ensuring its positive impact on our communities.

For teacher qualifications, click here Educator Certification.

Contacts:

Lauren Chapman, Principal
850-381-6967 | lchapman@amikids.org

O.B. Stander, Chair
850-919-2213 | OB.stander@amikids.org

Janine Caffrey, President/Vice Chair
850-919-2213 | janine.caffrey@amikids.org

Jim Looker, Treasurer
850-919-2213 | jim.looker@amikids.org

AMIkids Maritime Academy Principal

  • Lauren Chapman

AMIkids Maritime Academy Board of Directors

  • O.B. Stander, Chair
  • Janine Caffrey, President/Vice Chair
  • Jim Looker, Treasurer

Documents

Board Meeting Information

Board Meeting Minutes

Other Documents

Additional Information

Charter Contacts

Lauren Chapman: AMIkids Maritime Academy Principal

lchapman@amikids.org or 850-381-6967

Jaime Dahlin: Admissions Contact / Custodian of Public Records

 jdahlin@amikids.org or 850-919-2213

Michelle Sain: Parent Liaison

850-919-2213

Ron Boyce: SCUBA, Sailing, Seamanship, Sea Cadets, Ropes Course, ROV’s, Lifeguarding

850-258-1670 or rboyce@amikids.org

Fortify FL
FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.  Read more or report an issue at https://getfortifyfl.com/

Education and Awareness

Level 2 background screening is Florida’s highest level of background check. It is required by Section 435.04, Florida Statues for individuals working in positions of responsibility or trust.

Level 2 screening helps ensure that people who care for children, seniors, and vulnerable populations are safe and trustworthy.

A Level 2 background screening includes:

  • Fingerprinting through an Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) approved Livescan provider
  • State and national criminal history checks (Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation database)
  • Review for disqualifying offenses that would make someone not eligible for employment
  • Eligibility determination is made by the responsible agency

 

For more information, please visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com/education-awareness

AMIkids Maritime Academy
Panama City, FL
Charter Schools Community-based

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