About SPHS Video

Thank you for your interest in Suncoast Polytechnical High School!

Please email Becky.Satterly@sarasotacountyschools.net for inquires about the SPHS applicaion

The application will close on Friday February 28th, 2024. Acceptance letters will be emailed on or before 4/4/25. SPHS accepts the top 150 highly qualified candidates, so we do not accept students on a first come first served basis. For Open House and Walking Tour dates, CLICK HERE. We look forward to seeing you at one of these events! Please see some additional information below. Admission decisions will be shared the first week in April. Please do not call the school to ask for updates on acceptance status. Information will not be released over the phone. SPHS personnel will reach out with any questions or missing documents.

If your student is currently enrolled in a school outside of Sarasota County Schools, we are not able to access your student's records.. You will need to submit unofficial copies of transcripts, grades, attendance, discipline, or other important documents to 1391-Applications@sarasotacountyschools.net. Once the school year is complete, we will need final transcripts submitted to SPHS in order to secure your seat if your student is offered a seat.

 Students are encouraged to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• FAST ELA & FAST Math (or B.E.S.T. Algebra 1) scores of 3 or higher or an average of 3 or higher OR norm referenced test scores in the 50th percentile or higher.

• Grades of C or higher

• No attendance issues.

• No behavior issues.

  The most competitive students meet the following criteria:

• FAST ELA & Math scores (or B.E.S.T. Algebra 1) of 4 or higher OR norm referenced test scores in the 80th percentile or higher.

• B or higher in all classes

• Students are enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry in 8th grade

• Students are enrolled in at least one Honors class

• Participate in one or more activities after school

• Students are enrolled in Spanish I (High School credit) or another high school level world language course

 All students must submit an essay as a critical portion of the application process. Please write an essay based on the following prompts:

1. Why are you interested in attending SPHS?
2. What personal goal do you believe will be accomplished by attending SPHS?
3. What will you contribute to SPHS?
Essays should be limited to 250 words.

Essays should be emailed in pdf format as an attachment to: 1391-Applications@sarasotacountyschools.net Essays sent in other formats will not be reviewed (links, word documents, etc). 
MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON YOUR ESSAY.

All SPHS students are enrolled in a College & Technical Education (CTE) Pathway, the College Preparatory (CP) Pathway or the Acceleration Option (AO) Pathway. The CTE programs are exclusive to SPHS. SPHS is the only Sarasota County school that offers our Signature Pathways in Animation, Gaming & Simulation (AGS), Business (E-Commerce), Medical, and Engineering & Robotics Pathways. In 11th and 12th grade, students may continue in their current pathway or transition to one of the 36 options of CTE areas and certifications available to SPHS students at Suncoast Technical College (STC). SPHS has guaranteed seating in every CTE at STC for students who meet the required standards. The 4 CTE pathways for 9th and 10th grade students and the College Preparatory or Acceleration pathways are described below.

 Animation, Gaming & Simulation (AGS) -

The Animation, Gaming & Simulation program prepares students for careers in game development, the film industry and visual arts. In 9th and 10th grades, students focus on an equal amount of art and programming. Students learn technical skills such as 3-D modeling, concept art, game design and animation through collaborative projects. In 11th and 12th grades, students master specialty disciplines within game design and animation using next generation software. Seniors create, develop, and present an AGS Capstone project.

 Robotics/Applied Engineering -

The SPHS Robotics & Engineering Pathway prepares students for careers and college degrees in engineering and technology. In 9th and 10th grades, students develop fundamental engineering skills using CAD/CAM and 3-D printing. Students also learn programming, fundamentals of electronics, mechanism concepts, and demonstrate what they learn in skills-based competitions. In 11th and 12th grades, students learn the how and why of electronics & mechanics, advanced microcontroller applications & programming concepts, and complete individualized engineering projects.

 E-Commerce/Entrepreneurship -

This pathway is designed to provide students with insight into the world of e-commerce and business ownership. The E- Commerce pathway provides students with insight and experience with E-Commerce platforms, business models, and financial and legal considerations. The E-Commerce pathway is geared toward Freshmen and Sophomores.  The Entrepreneurship pathway provides an expansion of the E-Commerce path by focusing on considerations for business ownership including aspects of finance, business law, marketing, pricing, etc.  This pathway is geared towards Juniors and Seniors because it culminates with an opportunity to participate in an Executive Internship at a local business during the school day.

 BioMedical Pathway -

The BioMedical Pathway will begin in 9th and 10th grade with Biomedical Science courses designed through “Project Lead The Way” curriculum. This unique curriculum is designed for students interested in the medical field as a career. Project Lead the Way offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards, relevant technical knowledge, and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster. Our vision for the Medical Pathway is our SPHS students may choose to apply for the Patient Care Technician program in 11th and 12th grade or choose to focus on academics through the AP Capstone Diploma Program in preparation for college.