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For Immediate Release: May 29, 2008
Collegiate High School Program Breeds Results 77 Students Simultaneously Earn H.S. Diploma, A.A. Degree
VIERA—Brevard Public Schools will graduate 77 students this year who earned both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts diploma from Brevard Community College. BPS has seen dramatic increases in the number of students earning the dual degree—this year’s group is up 88 percent from the 41 dual degrees that were earned last year and 670 percent from the 10 earned just six years ago. The district’s expanding Collegiate High School program is driving the increased success. Another 10 dual enrollment students are expected to complete their A.A. degree requirements by the end of the summer. “The Collegiate High School model that is expanding across our district remains the key to this level of dual enrollment success,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “Thanks to a tremendous partnership with Brevard Community College, outstanding counselors and teachers at our high schools and high achieving students in these classrooms, even greater successes are yet to come.” All dual enrollment efforts in BPS have a track record of achievement. Fall 2007 statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Education indicate that Brevard is first in Florida in the dual enrollment participation rate among the largest Florida districts and first in Florida in the Early Admissions program. BPS’ goal is to reach the level of approximately 250 A.A. dual degree graduates per year by 2012. The continued expansion of the Collegiate High School program is helping to make these enrollment targets a reality. Originally implemented at Cocoa High School, the Collegiate High School is designed for qualified high school students to earn credits at both the high school and BCC during grades 10-12. This year, eight high schools offered the Collegiate High School program. The Collegiate High School initiative will increase to 10 schools with the addition of Viera High and Space Coast Jr./Sr. High next year. Academic dual enrollment allows interested and qualified high school students to begin their college careers while still in high school. Students can earn credit towards high school graduation while at the same time earning credit toward a college degree. Participating dual enrollment students are exempt from payment of registration, matriculation, textbook and laboratory costs. The A.A. degrees they earn are accepted at colleges and universities across Florida and around the country. All BPS high schools with a graduating class had at least one student earn an A.A. degree this year.
2008
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