⬆️ Level Up Academic Success!

The Scholars Lab

A free, structured academic support program helping students ages 9–18 build the language and literacy skills that drive real school success — in reading, writing, math, and science.

Who Can Join

Students ages 9–18. Open to native and non-native English speakers. Hillsborough County residency required.

Cost

Classes are free! All class materials are provided by ReDefiners

Schedule

One session per week across 8 weeks. Each class is one hour. Check the calendar for current openings near you.

Program Information

Tick IconWho Can Join

Students ages 9–18. Open to native and non-native English speakers. Hillsborough County residency required.

Dollar IconCost

Classes are free! All class materials are provided by ReDefiners

Calendar IconSchedule

One session per week across 8 weeks. Each class is one hour. Check the calendar for current openings near you.

Four subjects. One clear goal.

Each module targets the academic language and reasoning skills students need to succeed on school assessments, classroom discussions, and beyond.

Mathematics

Level Up Mathematics!

Students strengthen core math skills through hands-on practice and structured problem-solving, building the academic vocabulary and reasoning needed to excel on assessments.

Mean, Median & Mode Word Problems Order of Operations Mental Math
Language Arts

Level Up Language Arts!

From grammar and punctuation to character, conflict, and resolution — students develop into thoughtful readers and confident, effective communicators in academic settings.

Grammar & Punctuation Character Analysis Story Structure Reading Comprehension
Science

Level Up Science!

Students explore the fundamental forces of the universe, learn to design and record real experiments, and develop critical thinking through hands-on application of the scientific method.

Scientific Method Experiment Design Data Analysis Critical Thinking
Classroom Rules

Level Up Classroom Rules!

Designed for students new to the American education system — building the grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills needed to interact confidently with teachers and peers from day one.

Academic Vocabulary Classroom Communication Teacher Interactions School Expectations
Mathematics

Level Up Mathematics!

Students strengthen core math skills through hands-on practice and structured problem-solving, building the academic vocabulary and reasoning needed to excel on assessments.

Mean, Median & Mode Word Problems Order of Operations Mental Math
Why The Scholars Lab

Structured, growth-focused, and outcome-driven.

Inclusive by design

Whether English is your first language or your fifth, every student enters the Lab as a capable scholar — not a struggling learner. The program meets students where they are.

Academic rigor, real results

We focus on the exact academic language skills tested in school — from essay structure and scientific vocabulary to reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning.

Expert, credentialed instructors

Our teaching team holds TESOL, ESOL, and advanced degrees in education. Many have taught internationally and bring a globally informed approach to every session.

Community-rooted access

Funded by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and offered at 8 locations across Tampa — so every family can access quality academic support close to home.

Sound familiar? You're seeing the right signs.

Parents often sense it before teachers do — something is getting in the way, but it's hard to name. More often than not, the barrier isn't ability. It's academic language: the specific vocabulary, structure, and reasoning that school demands but rarely teaches directly.

Here's what that looks like at home:

  • "She reads fine — but can't explain what she read."
  • "Word problems in math shut him down completely."
  • "Writing feels impossible — she stares at a blank page."
  • "He's smart, but his grades don't reflect it."
  • "They don't speak up in class, even when they know the answer."
  • "They just moved here and school already feels overwhelming."

Find your teacher

Amaal Hallum Amaal Hallum Teaching Team

Amaal Hallum

English Teacher

I'm an English Instructor currently residing in Florida. My journey includes a Master's in Education with a focus on TESOL from the University of South Florida, complemented by a bachelor's in Written Journalism from Palestine. For me, language instruction is not just a career; it's a passion and a joyful endeavor with learners of all ages.
Janet Richard Janet Richard Teaching Team

Janet Richard

English Teacher

For 8 years, English as a second language has shaped my journey. From teaching in Vietnam, Canada, and online to my current role in Tampa, language education is my forte. As an RISD CE student, I channel my creativity into freelance graphic design projects and painting during my free moments. Welcome to my world, where language meets artistry.
Eman Alshurafa Eman Alshurafa Teaching Team

Eman Alshurafa

English Teacher

Teaching is my passion. I love to watch kids/adults learning and growing in their language. My goal is to finish my PhD in applied linguistics as soon as I can.
Scott Matejka Scott Matejka Teaching Team

Scott Matejka

Lead English Teacher

For nearly a decade, I've been deeply involved in ESOL, with most of my experience gained in Moscow, Russia. When not teaching, you'll often find me on the tennis court, engrossed in a game of poker, or exploring the strategic world of chess. Family-wise, I'm blessed with two children and a loving wife, and I couldn't be happier living in sunny Tampa.
Monica Villar Monica Villar Teaching Team

Monica Villar

English Teacher

I am a devoted and outcome-oriented educator dedicated to delivering excellence in both quality and service. With more than 25 years of extensive experience in the field, my fervent passion for education and community engagement drives my unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes.
Allison Martinson Allison Martinson Teaching Team

Allison Martinson

English Teacher

I am an ESOL teacher with an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language. I am passionate about language learning and teaching, and I strive to help my students achieve linguistic and cultural competency. Apart from teaching, I am a coffee enthusiast and love to travel!
Rebekah Repasky Rebekah Repasky Teaching Team

Rebekah Repasky

English Teacher

An experienced ESL teacher with over five years of teaching both in the U.S. and abroad. Skilled in working with diverse age groups in a wide range of settings including small language schools, at a university, and in correctional facilities. Passionate about language education and committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments.

Class Schedules

Use the schedule to view class hours, availability, and locations

Find a center near you

ReDefiner’s offers in-person classes at 8 locations throughout the Hillsborough County. Check the map below to find a language center near you. Students may enroll at any location.

How to use the map

Green pins LVP Icons 5 mark the location of centers in Tampa. Click on the pin for the address of the center. Get directions by clicking on the red arrow Red Arrow icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

An exposure class is a short-cycle learning experience that introduces students to new academic skills, communication strategies, and cultural contexts. The goal is confident participation and measurable growth — not perfection.

Classes are FREE! Students must live in Hillsborough County and verify residency within the County on the first day of class.

Absolutely. The Scholars Lab is designed for native and non-native speakers alike. Strong conversational English doesn't always mean strong academic writing — and that's exactly the gap the Lab is built to close.

Registration with the Children's Board of Hillsborough County is completed in person on the first day of class. Our staff will walk you through the process — all you need is proof of county residency.

Each one-hour session blends direct instruction, hands-on activity, and practice. Class sizes are kept small so every student receives individual attention and the chance to actively engage with the material.

Classes are conducted in English to build immersion and academic confidence. Spanish-speaking families are warmly welcomed, and our team can support you through registration and onboarding in your home language.

Each student may participate once per module. However, students can enroll in other free ReDefiners courses. Online continuation classes with the same instructors are also available for those who want to keep building.
Funding for services generously provided by the Children's Board of Hillsborough County
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Community Support

 

+1 813-530-2313

info@redefinerswl.org

Where Are We?

 

8056 N.56th Street
Tampa, Florida
33617

Childrens Board logo (transparent background)

In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ReDefiners strictly prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on protected categories. These categories include, but are not limited to, race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability (both mental and physical), gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, or the submission of a complaint regarding discrimination or harassment.


ReDefiners is dedicated to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all members, volunteers, and stakeholders. For more information, you may contact HR at Diana@redefinerswl.org.

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