CF, Marion County Public Schools Partner For CF Collegiate Academy

The College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools have partnered to offer CF Collegiate Academy, which expands dual enrollment opportunities beyond the Associate in Arts to include Associate in Science pathways – all at no cost to the student or family.

This new opportunity, which will begin fall 2024 at the CF Ocala Campus, will allow eligible Marion County students to complete programs that lead directly to career opportunities in accounting, agribusiness, criminal justice, early childhood education, emergency medical services, engineering technology, equine studies, computer information technology, supply chain management, and many more. Students pursuing limited access programs such as nursing may complete all required prerequisites for a seamless transition into the Associate in Science program upon high school graduation.

“We are excited about this expansion of dual enrollment to include an even greater number of programs and degrees,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “While students have been able to complete courses leading to an Associate in Arts for many years, students in workforce programs can now benefit by completing high school and college credits at the same time. Our CF partnership with Marion County Public Schools is ensuring that students have the greatest opportunities for education and career success.”

“The CF Collegiate Academy opportunity will allow students to choose the best pathway. A student may work toward an Associate in Arts for the college transfer pathway or students may choose the Associate in Science, which leads to a career upon completion,” said Dr. Diane Gullett, superintendent of Marion County Public Schools. “The partnership between College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools will prepare students for careers that are in high demand in our community leading to local employment. The Equine Studies program is one example of a featured Associate in Science which can lead to equine employment here locally which benefits Marion County. The CF Collegiate Academy supports parental choice and increases student access for their success.”

Students will apply to the CF Collegiate Academy as a magnet program in eighth grade, remain at their base high school in grades 9 and 10 while completing required high school courses, and then become a full-time dual enrollment student at the CF Ocala Campus or online in grades 11 and 12. Academy students choose from an A.A. or A.S. pathway and make as much progress toward the degree as possible prior to high school graduation. They will have access to all of the resources, support services and engagement opportunities offered at CF.

While students may still participate in traditional dual enrollment without enrolling in the CF Collegiate Academy, completing CF courses at the Ocala Campus or online during their junior and senior years, many benefits exist for Collegiate Academy students. Students can also partner with local employers to support work-based learning experiences such as internships, shadowing, co-ops and apprenticeships. And students who would like to continue their education can benefit from CF’s formal transfer partnerships with Florida A&M University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida Online and University of South Florida. Students in the CF Honors program are also guaranteed acceptance into the UCF Burnett Honors College.
To learn more about the CF Collegiate Academy, including admissions requirements, please visit www.CF.edu/CollegiateAcademy.