Columbus Youth Academy

• In Tampa, proceed south on I-75 to Mango exit 52, which is Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Blvd.
• Turn right on MLK Blvd. Proceed approximately 1 mile to Falkenburg Road.
• Turn left onto Falkenburg Road.
• Proceed to the third traffic light, which is Columbus Drive.
• Turn right and follow Columbus Drive for about ¼ mile.
• Columbus Youth Academy is co-located with Lake Academy and is across the street from the Tampa Residential Facility.

Columbus Youth Academy is a moderate risk residential commitment program for male youth up to age 19. This program provides youth comprehensive care, treatment, supervision, and evidence-based sex offender services. Youth will also receive psychotherapeutic services, including individual, family, and group counseling while in the program.

A youth’s length of stay is determined by the youth's assessed risk to reoffend, their progress in reducing applicable criminogenic needs and risk factors, and the completion of their individualized treatment plan.

The Florida Scholars Academy provides all educational services for residential commitment programs within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. It offers a tailored education system that accommodates the unique needs of each student by providing multiple pathways to success. The academy offers individualized support to help students achieve their educational and career goals. This includes obtaining a high school or equivalent diploma, earning valuable industry-recognized credentials, and/or enrolling in postsecondary education at a Florida college, university, or technical college. The ultimate aim is to equip students with the necessary skills and qualifications for a successful career.