A home for everything our students do outside the traditional classroom
Nothing a student does at Central Florida Prep is considered extracurricular, and the new center gives that belief a building of its own. For the first time, our Mariners can host volleyball and basketball games, tournaments, and pep rallies on our own campus, while the same space turns into a theater for student productions, concerts, and school-wide events.
The center is named for Robert A. Flanders, who founded Central Florida Prep with his wife, Rowena, in 1990. Bob was an educator who believed that hands-on learning and strong character belonged at the heart of every school day, and this building was part of his vision for the campus long before ground was broken in March 2025.
This athletic and performing arts center is something I have personally dedicated the last 25 years of my life to developing.Rowena Flanders, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, speaking at the dedication on August 28, 2026
Three programs, one building
The center anchors three programs led by faculty who bring professional training and real-world experience into the classroom.
Performing Arts
Led by Emily Muff, BFA in Musical Theatre, Samford University
Students in grades 6 through 12 take part in full-scale musical productions, the Junior Thespians, and conservatory-quality instruction on a professional performance stage.
Visual Arts
Led by David Phillips, BFA, Savannah College of Art and Design
A working glass artist and sculptor brings a project-based, studio-driven approach, with dedicated visual arts and video production spaces for student work.
Culinary Arts
Led by Nicole Edwards, Johnson & Wales trained chef
Our culinary program connects the solar greenhouse and outdoor learning center directly to the kitchen classroom for true farm-to-table education.
Inside the center
Competition gymnasium
An 11,000 square foot gym with stadium seating, upgraded scoreboards, and room for home games, tournaments, and physical education classes year-round.
Performance stage
A 30 by 16 foot retractable stage with a surround sound system for musicals, concerts, speech and debate, and assemblies.
Culinary arts kitchen
A dedicated teaching kitchen for our farm-to-table culinary program.
Visual arts and video production
Studio space for drawing, sculpture, and design, plus a video production room for student media projects.
Eleven new classrooms
Additional learning space that lets our academic programs continue to grow.
Compass Café
A concession area for families and fans during games and performances.