About Us

Hi, my name is Denise James. I have a passion for teaching and LOVE helping students reach their full potential. I graduated from the SunCoast Area Teacher Training Honors Program with a teaching degree from the USF College of Education.  My years of classroom teaching experience include Kindergarten through third grade, I have also had extensive training as a primary reading intervention teacher and experience tutoring all grades.  I have my Reading K-12, Gifted, and ESOL Endorsements, and I am certified in Elementary and Exceptional Student Education K-12. I was one of the pioneer teachers to join in the Hope mission 20 years ago. I continue to enjoy making learning fun and exciting through creative, innovative ways, and teaching students the necessary skills needed to be successful, independent students.  I strive to help students become more confident, fluent readers and writers as well as, develop a love for math, and learn the strategies needed to have lifelong success. I live in Winter Garden with my husband and four children.                                               

My assistant, Stacie Rouse, has had several years of classroom experience as an assistant at Hope Charter and Foundation Academy. She also worked as librarian at Foundation for two years.  Mrs. Rouse loves being in the classroom and watching the students develop. Reading is a passion and she likes to have fun! Mrs. Rouse has been married for 19 years and has three children: Islanda (19), Hayden (11), and Piper (10).

We are both excited for the new school year!  

We are both excited for the new school year!  

Second grade is going to be a memorable year!!!