The Collegiate High School at NWFSC Welcomes Inaugural Freshman Class

The Collegiate High School (CHS) at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) opened its doors to 335 students this month as the 2022-2023 school year began. Among those walking the halls were 50 new students who belong to CHS’s inaugural freshman class. 

Last year, the Department of Education granted Northwest Florida State College $2 million through the Early College Career and Technical Education grant to expand its dual enrollment program at CHS. The grant enabled the school to extend its services to ninth-grade students, allowing new students to earn an Associate in Science degree while simultaneously earning their high school diploma. Students begin working toward their degrees by taking college-level courses during the first semester of their high school careers. 

“We are grateful for the Department of Education’s support and are eager to start shaping the futures of this young generation as we provide them with free tuition and books, specialized fields of study, transferrable college credits, expert instructors, and innovative programs,” said NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “The next four years will help prepare our students for a successful career after high school as they earn the knowledge, certifications, and skills they need to succeed.”

The new freshman class consists of almost a 50/50 ratio of male and female students, with 31 pursuing an Associate in Science in Computer Information Technology and 19 pursuing an Associate in Science in Engineering Technology. These degree tracks will allow students to earn industry certifications including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Solidworks, National Coalition of Certifications Centers NC3, and Manufacturing Skills Standard’s Council’s CPT. They will also be able to participate in internships within the local industries and learn employable skills. 

The new freshmen kicked off their first week by attending the CHS’s WOW Week, two days of orientations and activities that help students get acclimated to campus before beginning their regular class schedule. Activities included campus tours, a Kahoot! trivia competition, summer reading discussions, and a robotics demonstration. 

“CHS faculty and staff were excited to have students returning to campus for WOW Week activities and the start of classes for the 2022-2023 school year. We look forward to another year of excellence at the Collegiate High School at NWFSC,” said Dr. Sandy Arteaga, Interim Dean of College Pathways and Principal of Collegiate High School. 

For more information on the Collegiate High School at NWFSC, please contact Dr. Sandy Arteaga, Interim Dean of College Pathways and Principal of Collegiate High School, at 850-729-4949 or collegiatehs@nwfsc.edu.