News Summary
Florida State University Panama City’s Collegiate School has achieved an ‘A’ grade from the state for the second consecutive year, highlighting its strong academic performance and commitment to excellence. The school, established in August 2023 with a $7.6 million grant, offers innovative educational opportunities with a focus on dual enrollment and technical education. As enrollment grows, it is paving the way for future cohorts and expanding academic programs to meet diverse student needs.
Panama City, Florida — Florida State University Panama City’s Collegiate School Achieves A Grade for Second Consecutive Year
Florida State University Panama City’s Collegiate School has received an ‘A’ grade from the state of Florida for the second year in a row, underscoring its strong academic performance and commitment to educational excellence. The school, which was established in August 2023 with an initial start-up grant of $7.6 million from Triumph Gulf Coast, continues to demonstrate significant progress in its early stages of operation.
School Overview and Mission
The Collegiate School functions as a developmental laboratory high school dedicated to providing innovative educational opportunities. It emphasizes dual enrollment programs and career technical education pathways, aiming to prepare students for college and future careers. The school opened with an inaugural cohort of 100 ninth-grade students, with plans to enroll an additional 100 freshmen in 2024, bringing current student numbers to nearly 200 in the 9th and 10th grades.
Student Demographics and Enrollment Preferences
While the school offers prioritization for children from military families, it is also open to students from various middle schools within Bay County. The student body is growing steadily as the school solidifies its reputation for academic achievement and innovative programs.
Performance and Grading Criteria
The school grading system employed by the state evaluates multiple factors, including student achievement, learning gains, and college and career accomplishments. These grades are designed to provide parents and the public with a transparent measure of each school’s performance and effectiveness.
Facilities and Future Campus Plans
The Collegiate School is located at 2430 St. Andrews Blvd, Panama City, Florida. The school’s original first cohort, now progressing into 11th grade, will soon transition to newly renovated facilities on the FSU Panama City campus. The third cohort of freshmen is scheduled to begin classes on August 11 for the upcoming academic year.
Leadership and Recognition
Debbi Whitaker, the school’s director, highlighted that the ‘A’ grade reflects the dedication of students, families, faculty, and staff. She noted that the school is currently the highest-ranked educational institution in Bay County, emphasizing its growing reputation for high performance and student success.
Upcoming Programs and Summer Institute
In June 2025, the Collegiate School will host its second Summer Institute in collaboration with the Florida State University Panama City STEM Institute. This program will feature a variety of day camps designed for students who have completed grades seven and eight, focusing on STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Sample Summer Camps
- CSI-TCS Unit (June 9-12 and July 7-10): Offered at $140, this camp involves murder mystery role-play activities that develop STEM skills.
- Creative Fusion: A painting and drawing camp for students in grades 6-10, with various dates at a fee of $70.
- Actor’s Workshop (June 10): A free camp aimed at teaching acting techniques.
- The Science of Flight (June 16-19 and July 14-17): Priced at $140, focusing on designing air travel concepts and rocket launches.
Educational Goals and Growth
The Collegiate School aims to broaden students’ career options by offering specialized programs, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Its early success is reflected in the enrollment and academic achievements of its students, with the school emphasizing diversity in its educational offerings.
Future Enrollment and Registration
As the school continues to grow, registration for upcoming cohorts will open in October for enrollment in the next school year. The institution plans to expand its student body and academic programs, further strengthening its role as an advanced educational choice within Bay County.
Overall, Florida State University Panama City’s Collegiate School has demonstrated its effectiveness and commitment to high academic standards through its consistent ‘A’ grades and innovative educational initiatives, positioning itself as a leading choice for students and families seeking quality education in the region.
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Additional Resources
- News Herald: FSU Panama City Collegiate High School Receives ‘A’ Grade
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
- News Herald: FSU Panama City Programs Funded
- Google Search: Florida education system
- My Panhandle: FSU Panama City Announces Second Summer Institute
- Google Scholar: Education programs Florida
- WJHG: Collegiate School FSU PC Adds New Grade Level
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- News Herald: Summertime Fun and Learning at Collegiate School FSU-PC
- Google News: Florida education news
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