Education nonprofit finds permanent home

Indi-ED, a local educational nonprofit, has secured its first permanent home after nearly a decade of operation in St. Petersburg.

The organization, which provides an alternative approach to traditional schooling, recently closed on a property at 1619 11th Ave. N. that will serve as its new headquarters and learning space. Christine Laurenzi, founder and director of Indi-ED, said the new building provides stability for Indi-ED’s future. 

“It is not just a permanent home. This allows for that sense of security for everybody: our families, our teachers and families who are looking to join us,” Laurenzi said.

Founded in 2016, Indi-ED has operated from three different locations in St. Petersburg. The nonprofit started in downtown St. Petersburg, then moved to the EDGE District and is now settling into its own space. Laurenzi, a lifelong educator, said Indi-ED’s students have been actively involved in the renovation process at the new building, watching and working in a variety of scenarios as they witness the building’s transformation firsthand.

“From observing construction to participating in creative projects tied to the process, they’re experiencing the excitement and energy of shaping something that will serve generations to come,” said Christine Laurenzi, Founder and Director of Indi-ED. Photo provided.

The new property not only provides a stable environment for Indi-ED’s students and staff but also opens up opportunities for community partnerships. Laurenzi shared her vision for the space: “We’re excited to open our doors to start giving those other small businesses who are in that same startup mode an opportunity or a space, or just a place where they could come in and start creating their own impact.”

The building includes purposefully designed areas to facilitate collaboration and community engagement. 

“We intentionally built a conference room that could be split into different areas, so if someone wants to come in, for example, a psychologist wants to support students and give sessions at our space, we intentionally have a collaborative community space that could be used for a myriad of activities,” Laurenzi said.

While the new space allows for potential growth, Indi-ED remains committed to maintaining its close-knit community feel. Laurenzi emphasized that the organization’s focus is not on rapid expansion but on preserving the quality of education and relationships. 

“We are not in the mentality of more is better all the time,” she stated, adding that even at maximum capacity, they would cap enrollment at 100 to 125 families to maintain the “community family” feel.

Indi-ED serves a diverse group of families, from children of entrepreneurs and business owners to those seeking an alternative to traditional education systems. Laurenzi said the nonprofit’s approach has attracted families from various backgrounds, including those who travel internationally.

As Indi-ED settles into its new home, Laurenzi looks forward to deepening its roots in the St. Petersburg community and continuing to provide unique educational experiences for its students.

“The security of having our own space is super important, but we’re just super excited about the potential to be embedded in the community even more,” she said.

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