top of page

About Rainbow Hoots Academy

Rainbow Hoots Academy is nestled on secluded grounds in St. Petersburg, Florida.  The idea for an early education curriculum structured around the humanities and conservation, and utilizing constructive behaviorism, was first conceived in 1972 by students at St. Petersburg College. However, this project would never have come to pass if not for an unusual and generous donation... a historic golf course! Our beautifully landscaped academy surrounded by acres of protected habitat, was at one time a golf course. The property as well as the funds necessary for it's upkeep and conversion to a school for young children, were all donated by Mr. John T. Gulley.

 

When Mr. Gulley passed away in 1987 he so believed in the idea of Rainbow Hoots Academy, an idea his deceased son had been a part of creating, he willed his entire estate to its development. Rainbow Hoots Academy in honor of his son has partnered with St. Petersburg College and founded a competitive educator shadowing program that has graduated some of the best certified teachers in the nation, devoted to promoting a student-centered community environment. Because of the diligence of our staff and volunteers, our academy is consistently ranked among the Best Private Schools in Florida.

        ABOUT ME

 

I have a bachelor's degree in both the Humanities and Exceptional Student Education, and a master's degree in Psychology.

 

I didn't always want to be a teacher. In fact, it was the furthest thing from my mind! I wanted to be an artist, a writer, and an intergalactic bounty hunter (still working on that). However, as I deepened my education I realized that the one thing I enjoyed most was learning new things, and I was struck by how truly important the desire to pursue knowledge is.

 

When all else has come to pass, there is no greater motivation than being true to thyself. I believe that those children who fall through the cracks of education never to return, have had that motivation snuffed out or starved. Self motivation is NOT a dirty word, it is in fact a dividing line between success and failure, independence and dependence. Self motivation is a hunger to thrive against unfair odds when life isn't fair.

 

With it's curriculum that gives students the skills needed to recognize and explore new avenues of thought, instilling within them a sense of adventure in education, I am proud to call myself a member of the Rainbow Hoots Academy staff.

Testimonial

“Miss Ferrelli showed an understanding of my Asperger child's mood and inability to express himself that was incredibly empathic and intuitive. She gave him the tools to let his emotions out through art, and over time when called upon to describe his work my son learned to express what he truly thought without the crutch of the picture."

  
Recognition

Samantha Jonson 

 

"We knew our son was bright, but he was failing out of traditional school and we just couldn't understand it. His teachers wanted us to medicate him to help him focus! We toured many schools public and private but saw nothing that was any different from what we had already tried. Than we heard about Rainbow Hoots Academy, and after one campus visit we enrolled our son. Best decision we've made as parents; my son is in advanced classes now! Turns out he is a multitasker who is visually stimulated and easily bored. We are enrolling our two year old daughter in the Early Learners program now."

 ~ Marquis Vonn, Gulfport Mayor

"Without  doubt Rainbow Hoots Academy is a master of applying art and creativity as an educational tool. It has shown doubting parents and counselors how to break through negative cycles that are destructive to a child's educational growth, time and time again." 

~ Dr. Richard Meck, The Florida Institute for Natural Behavior

 

Miss Ferrelli's Art Class

bottom of page