Phone +1 850-434-2294 | Date founded 1969 | |
Address 1010 N 12th Ave #228, Pensacola, FL 32501, USA Similar Pensacola Christian Academy, The Montessori School of, Pensacola Catholic High Sch, Creative Learning Academy, East Hill Christian School | ||
Pensacola Private School Of Liberal Arts, affectionately known as SOLA, is a private secondary school in Pensacola, Florida, established in 1969 by William J. Holston to be an alternative to area public schools. Holston, along with previous alumni, operate in the School as both office staff and as teachers, assisting a wide array of students in grades 7th-12th, of various ethnic and financial backgrounds. When SOLA first opened its doors the School was located in Pensacola's historic Sacred Heart Hospital on 12th Avenue. In the early 1980s Holston moved SOLA to his once private residence located on 13th Avenue. SOLA remained at the 13th Ave. location until 2013, when the School downsized and returned to its roots within the historic Sacred Heart Hospital.
Holston was the band director for many years at Pensacola High School and principal of Woodham High School for the 1968-1969 School Year before establishing SOLA. He left Woodham High and the public school district for various reasons, the chief being the commotion sparked by the rezoning of schools. This commotion set forth the events that brought the Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts to life. Today, SOLA is a haven for students who want to learn. They are in close contact with knowledgeable instructors and receive a college preparatory education in a unique setting. SOLA continues to teach a true liberal arts education, focusing on reading, writing, and verbal skills while trying to help the student understand their place within the community as an educated adult.
Today, SOLA is headed by Mrs. Jacqueline Tarver, an alumna herself. She attended PSC and UWF earning her Bachelor's Degree in Public Health & Studio Art. She is currently attending UWF to attain a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction in Secondary Education. Mrs. Tarver worked directly under Holston for six years until his passing in 2011. She and the SOLA administration have remained committed to teaching Today's youth and uphold many of the same educational traditions and values implemented by Holston. The 2013-2014 School Year completed Mrs. Tarver's ninth year at SOLA.