Early College Magnet Pathway
Earn an Associate Degree and Your High School Diploma — At the Same Time!
In partnership with the State College of Florida (SCF), the Early College Pathway offers a unique opportunity for eligible Sarasota County Schools students to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) degree while completing high school. This dual enrollment pathway helps students get a head start on college and their career goals — tuition-free.
Pathway Highlights
Open to incoming 9th grade students who have completed Algebra I by July 30
Students choose between three pathways:
General
Business
STEM
Students participate in SCF classes taught by SCF faculty through GoLive instructional modality
Pathway offered at North Port High School and Booker High School
Students remain fully enrolled in their zoned high school while completing college coursework
What to Expect
Blended high school and virtual college schedule beginning in 9th grade
Students transition to taking classes on SCF’s campus during 11th and 12th grade
College courses in core subjects like English, U.S. History, Algebra, Chemistry, and more
Must meet college-ready scores in Reading, Writing, and Math (via PERT, ACT, or SAT)
Maintain a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and 2.0 college GPA
Pathway Requirements
To qualify, students must:
Complete Algebra I by the summer before 9th grade
Have a 3.0 unweighted GPA by the end of each semester in 9th grade
Earn college-ready scores by key milestones:
Reading and Writing by the end of 9th grade
Math by May 15 of 10th grade (April 1 preferred)
Complete 15 college credit hours by the end of 10th grade
Remain in good academic standing (no D, F, NA, or W grades in college courses)
Pathways Overview
Students can pursue one of the following Associate in Arts tracks:
General Pathway
Designed for students seeking a broad foundation in general education.
Business Pathway
Includes courses such as Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Information Systems.
STEM Pathway
Features advanced math and science courses, including Calculus, Chemistry, and Biology.
Each pathway includes elective options, a college success course, and required high school classes such as foreign language, history, and science.
Upcoming Parent Information Nights
Want to learn more in person? Join us for one of our Early College Parent Nights:
May 19 at 6 PM — North Port High School
May 21 at 6 PM — Booker High School
Questions?
Contact Dr. Michelle Anderson, Director of High School Curriculum & Instruction at michelle.anderson@sarasotacountyschools.net.