There are magnet schools, career academies, one charter school and more.
By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published August 29, 2004
[Times photo: James Borchuck]
Jessica Baldwin, left, breaks open a mole pinata during Mole Day at Seminole High School in February. A mole is a common chemistry unit of measurement representing the number of atoms in a substance.
OVERVIEW: Pinellas County has 18 high schools between St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs. One is a charter school and one is a long-term alternative school (please see information below). The other 16 are regular public schools open to students countywide.
Eleven of the high schools have small learning communities, or "schools within schools." All of the small learning communities divide large populations into smaller ones according to common interests. Some offer specialized study in subjects such as culinary arts or business. (Please see information about school attractors on Page .)
There are three ways to apply to the district's 16 choice attendance area high schools, but not everyone can use each option. (Please see the procedures for applying to choice attendance area schools on Page .)
MAGNET SCHOOLS: Eight high schools offer magnet programs, and two high schools have two magnets, for a total of 10 specialized programs. High school programs are: the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School; the International Baccalaureate programs at St. Petersburg High School and Palm Harbor University High School; the Business, Economic and Technology Academy and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School; the Early Graduation Option at Osceola High School; the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions at Boca Ciega High School and Palm Harbor University High School; the Criminal Justice Academy at Pinellas Park High School; and the 21st Century Learning Center and Teaching Arts Academy at Largo High School.
Admission to high school magnet programs depends on achievement test scores and grade point averages. Children who gain seats in the countywide lottery must still meet school requirements before they can be admitted. Participation in middle school magnet programs does not guarantee admission to the high school programs.
The only way parents can apply for magnet schools is by using an automated phone system. (Please see the procedure for applying to countywide programs on Page .)
CAREER ACADEMIES: Five high schools offer career academy programs, which give students a chance to learn more about particular fields. Career academy programs are: the Career Academy for International Culture and Commerce at Clearwater High School; the Graphic Arts Academy at Dixie Hollins High School; the Academy of Architectural Design and Electrical Technologies at Dunedin High School; the Automotive Academy at Northeast High School; and the Veterinary Science Academy at Tarpon Springs High School.
It is important to understand that simply getting into a high school does not admit a student to a career academy that exists at that school. Application to high school career academies is made by using an automated phone system. (Please see the procedure for applying to countywide programs on Page .)
ACCELERATED PROGRAMS: High school students looking for a challenge can take Advanced Placement courses, which prepare them for a national exam where a passing score can earn them college credit. Students who want to get ahead can also participate in "dual enrollment" programs that allow them to take local college classes while still in high school. Parents interested in learning more about such programs should speak to administrators at individual schools.
CHARTER SCHOOL: St. Petersburg Collegiate High School is a charter high school operated by St. Petersburg College and sponsored by the Pinellas County School Board. It offers 10th- through 12th-graders the opportunity to complete two years of high school while they complete credits for an associate's degree.
Parents interested in St. Petersburg Collegiate High School should get in touch directly with the school.
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION: All high schools offer full-time programs for students with special needs. Customer service representatives at the Family Education and Information Centers can tell parents about their options.
Several schools cater solely to children with physical, mental and learning disabilities. Hamilton Disston Exceptional Student Education Center in Gulfport, Richard L. Sanders School in Pinellas Park and Calvin Hunsinger Exceptional Student Education Center in Clearwater serve emotionally disturbed students from kindergarten through Grade 12. Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center in Pinellas Park and Paul B. Stephens Exceptional Center in Clearwater serve mentally and physically disabled students from prekindergarten to age 22. Parents can learn more about these programs at www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/ESE/
DISCIPLINARY SCHOOLS: High school students who commit "zero tolerance" offenses - primarily those concerning drugs, alcohol or weapons - are temporarily reassigned to either Norwood Secondary School or PTEC-South Secondary, both in St. Petersburg, for a semester or more and then return to their previous school unless their reassignment occurred in the last semester of their senior year.
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL: Bayside High School in Clearwater is a long-term alternative school for children who are behind in credits as a result of excessive truancy and who are overage for their grade level, as well as those making the transition from secondary discipline schools. Students may or may not have discipline problems in addition to their academic challenges.
Students are usually referred to Bayside by their high school guidance counselors.
