K–1st grade
Janie's Garden
2300 Central Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234(Corner of 22nd Street and Central Avenue) Directions to Janie's Garden
A K–5 microschool in Newtown, Sarasota
Star Lab delivers high levels of learning & joy so all children can contribute their unique gifts to the world.
Star Lab is a small school (sometimes called a microschool), serving the children and families of Sarasota and surrounding counties. Many families can attend for free, by using Florida’s state scholarship program, Step Up for Students.
2026 Yass Prize finalist
Star Lab has been selected as one of 26 finalists for the 2026 Yass Prize, known as the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation.” Read the announcement
What grades does Star Lab serve?
Children must be 5 years old by September 1st of the year they enroll in Kindergarten to qualify for state scholarship, Step Up for Students.
- 24–25 Kindergarten
- 25–26 K–3rd
- 26–27 K–5th This year
- 27–28 K–5th
Located in historic Newtown, Sarasota
(Corner of 22nd Street and Central Avenue) Directions to Janie's Garden
2nd–5th grade
Boys & Girls Club
1790 21st St., Sarasota, FL 34234(Between Orange and Dixie Avenues) Directions to Boys & Girls Club
Our Founder
Alison Rini brings expertise in gifted education as well as helping children overcome challenges and disabilities from her 20+ years teaching & leading in public, private, and charter schools.
She started Star Lab to give children an opportunity to learn on their own level, and to progress at their own pace. She believes children love to learn, and they deserve a school that they love too!
“My son was doing fine academically at his previous school, but the spark was gone. He was just going through the motions. Now he comes home from Star Lab talking about his day with excitement. I couldn’t be happier.”
Sign up for a tour!
We can’t wait to learn about you and your family!