BRADENTON, Fla. - s4story -- When the 2026-27 academic year kicked off, students at Team Success: A School of Excellence in Bradenton began learning more than just math, science and history.

Through a unique partnership with Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Cirrus Aviation, Team Success expanded its thriving STEM program for sixth- through 12^th-graders to introduce a new elective course that explores potential careers within the aviation industry.

"As a charter school serving students of all backgrounds, it's important to us that our students are exposed to career opportunities beyond the four walls of an office," said Fred Spence, CEO and founder of Team Success, a highly rated charter school serving K-12 students in Manatee County. "Many students are pursuing routes that do not require traditional four-year degree programs, so through this partnership, it's our hope that students will discover an unknown passion and find a career path meant for them."

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Team Success' 6-12 campus is adjacent to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Cirrus Aviation's base of operations, creating natural opportunities for collaboration that are convenient for all parties. Representatives from the airport and flight training school visited Team Success during the 2025-26 school year to give students a sneak peek at the 2026-27 program, and students also took field trips to see aviation in action. Additionally, a Delta Air Lines pilot hosted a Q&A session with inquisitive students.

Through their broader partnership, SRQ Airport and Cirrus Aviation curated a four-phase Intro to Aviation program for students. Phase One covers the foundation, including an introduction to aviation, history and aircraft types; aerodynamics, aircraft parts and instruments; and career pipelines. Phase Two spotlights airport operations, including airport infrastructure, airline operations, security and Transportation Security Administration, and airport marketing and business. In Phase Three, students will learn about Airspace and Air Traffic Control (ATC), which focuses on airspace systems, ATC rules and communication, aviation weather and military aviation. Phase Four concentrates on safety and maintenance, with lessons covering aircraft maintenance, fire and crash rescue, ground handling and logistics, and career pathways.

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The inaugural aviation program will run throughout the 2026-27 school year and includes both coursework in the classroom and site visits to SRQ Airport to learn about career opportunities and airport operations. Although the school year has started, Team Success is still accepting applications for students in grades K-12, including those interested in the aviation program. To begin the enrollment process, visit TeamSuccessSchools.org (https://new.teamsuccessschools.org/) or call 941-714-7260 (K-5 campus) or 941-444-4333 (6-12 campus) for more information.