Schoolsearch2000: Life's paths may be discovered in magnet programs

The Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT) at Lakewood High School is a rigorous college preparatory program for students talented in mathematics, the sciences and scientific research, computer technology, multimedia or television production. Typical student career goals include engineering, architecture, medicine, multimedia, computer programming and television production. All students receive hands-on laboratory experiences in math, science, research, computing and multimedia and are required to complete a multiyear research project. Business partnership, mentorship and apprentice opportunities are available. The program's $4.5-million facility houses three computer laboratories, a 132-seat teaching auditorium with video and satellite communication capabilities, an applied research laboratory, a computer network control center, sophisticated physics, chemistry, biology and marine biology laboratories, and demonstration classrooms.

The Centers for Wellness and Medical Professions at Boca Ciega High and Palm Harbor University High schools prepares students for a broad range of health care careers. The technical program is designed for students seeking employment immediately after high schools as nurse assistants, EKG technicians or home health aides. The professional/licensed program prepares students for postsecondary education in nursing, dental hygiene of physical therapy. The premedical program supplies the rigorous academic base needed to pursue professional training as doctors, veterinarians, pharmacists or dentists. Professional shadowing experiences, field trips and medical seminars, and health career information are integrated into the regular academic program. Magnet students are required to complete 200 hours of community service (half health-related) and make a personal commitment to a wellness lifestyle.

The Criminal Justice Academy at Pinellas Park High School provides students with an overview of the criminal justice system and introduces students to law-related careers. Students who complete the program are prepared to enter a university, community college, police academy or other post-secondary training programs, and to directly enter the work force. The magnet program works closely with the Criminal Justice Institute at St. Petersburg Junior College, Stetson University College of Law, local law enforcement agencies, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the public defender's office, the state attorney's office, the medical examiner's office and other legal professionals.

Osceola High School's Early Graduation Option (OGO) allows students to attend school year-round and graduate at the end of three years of study. Most students begin this program during the summer before the ninth grade. In addition to attending school year-round, many students take on-line high school classes, and may attend night school to complete the credits required for graduation. EGO students have a wide variety of electives available, including classes in art, drama, business, journalism, computer technology, foreign languages, music, television production, early childhood education, upper-level science and math, and psychology. Students who opt for dual enrollment at St. Petersburg Junior College often are able to complete simultaneously their senior year of high school and first year of college.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programs at St. Petersburg High and Palm Harbor University High Schools stress a rigorous liberal arts curriculum for highly motivated, college-bound students. The program features six areas of study: English and literature; foreign languages; experimental science; mathematics; study of individuals and societies; and an elective subject area. Students also can enroll in college-level courses for dual credit. Graduation requirements for the IB diploma meet the entrance requirements of the world's finest universities.

The Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) at Gibbs High School features a concentrated curriculum of dance, musical theater, technical production, instrumental music, theater performance, visual arts and vocal music. The program provides pre-professional arts training leading to a career in the arts or postsecondary academic degrees. Students interested in the program must submit a portfolio or audition as part of their enrollment application. PCCA courses are taught by practicing professional artists. Each day, students attend four college preparatory academic classes and three arts classes.

The Pinellas Academy for the Technical Arts is also part of Gibbs High School, but is housed at the adjacent Pinellas Technical Education Center (PTEC) in St. Petersburg. The magnet program prepares students for careers in business, finance technology, and computer networking. Areas of study include business management and entrepreneurship, international business, information services and management, finance, networking, PC support, digital publishing, and web design and Internet services. Students work closely with business partners, participating in career shadowing and internships.

The 21st Century Learning Center/Teaching Arts Academy at Largo High School allows students to explore a variety of careers: health/medical services, international business/finance, human services and teaching arts, and industrial technology. The program utilizes best teaching practices to help students master higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary projects and presentations. Workshops, shadowing of business and career professionals, and internships or exploratory teaching experiences are a major part of the program. The magnet includes opportunities for duel enrollment in college-credit courses, advanced placement, and college testing preparatory courses. A "Learning Bus" of about 40 seniors and teachers spends a week on the road studying the literature, math, science, geography and history of areas visited.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright