The Academy of Science and Technology at Santa Fe College earned an A grade in its first year of operation.
School grades are determined by the Florida Department of Education on an A-F scale based on a series of components, including state exam results.
The Academy at Santa Fe scored at the top in district exams, earning No. 1 in Grade 9 English/Language assessment, Algebra 1 end-of-course exam, and Geometry end-of-course exam. The academy tied for No. 1 for new collegiate charter schools in the state for the geometry exam.
“Our students and faculty worked hard this year to set a high standard for the Academy,” Jen Homard, Santa Fe’s executive director of secondary programs, said in a press release. “The ‘A’ grade is testament to their hard work and an indication of high quality of our academic programs.”
All Florida school grades were released last week and Alachua County Public Schools’ overall grade of B was due in part to public charter schools like the Academy at Santa Fe, which earned mostly A’s.
The Academy, which launched in fall 2023, allows students to attend tuition-free and earn certificates and Associate of Science degrees in STEM fields while earning their high school diploma.
“We opened this school to create new opportunities for students to excel. These test results show they have risen to the challenge, and our inaugural Academy class has set the standard for others to follow,” Paul Broadie II, Santa Fe College president, said in the release. “With our dedicated faculty and administrators, and our expanded offerings of Associate in Science degrees, our students will have the opportunity to earn their high school diploma and A.S. degree free of charge, setting them on a course of success throughout their lives. I am so proud of our amazing students and applaud their accomplishments.”
In preparation for fall classes starting Aug. 12 for the Santa Fe Academy’s sophomore and new freshmen classes, the college has improved and expanded the academy’s space, including two new traditional classrooms, an auditorium-style classroom, an expanded computer classroom and a new science lab.
There are still a few openings left for the 2024-25 academic year. Those interested can contact the Santa Fe Academy at academy@sfcollege.edu or 352-395-4444.