Collegiate school in Wellen Park sets high standards

As the head of school at State College of Florida Collegiate School-Venice located in Wellen Park, Dr. Karen Peck (front, far left) says graduation is one of the proudest moments of the year. COURTESY PHOTO

Graduation is one of Dr. Karen Peck’s proudest moments of the year. As the head of school of State College of Florida Collegiate School-Venice located in Wellen Park, she attends two ceremonies — one conferring high school diplomas to her graduating seniors and the other presenting college associate in arts degrees to 97% of those same graduates.

To Peck, graduation symbolizes four years of hard work, sheer determination and perseverance each graduate has achieved to walk the stage, completing the demanding high school dual enrollment program where students earn a high school diploma while also earning an associate in arts degree from State College of Florida. Not only does the degree count toward college credits, but it also qualifies students for tuition-free scholarships at New College of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University.

“We prepare students for college by providing a very rigorous curriculum and an academic coaching class,” said Peck, who has helmed the school since its inception. “It’s a hard program. We prepare students daily to start college at 16.”

To date, 120 students have graduated from State College of Florida Collegiate School-Venice located in Wellen Park since 2021; 114 with associate degrees. COURTESY PHOTO

The Collegiate School has been blazing a trail since welcoming its first students in 2019. Student scores in math, civics, reading and science outdistance those of their peers in the Sarasota County district and in the state. This year, 89% of the Collegiate School’s students passed the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking exam in geometry, compared to 64% in the district and 51% statewide. The school has scored A’s on Florida’s annual report card since 2022.

“I’m so proud of our students,” said Peck. “I’m also proud of our teachers too. They work very hard to teach rigorous curriculum and maintain positive connections with students through academic coaching. We’ve only been working together two years as a team and we’re already seeing the results of our hard work.”

A free public charter school, SCFCS Venice draws students from Venice, North Port and Englewood. Many also live close to the campus and walk or bike to school from Wellen Park.

“The Collegiate School really stands out for parents and motivated students moving to the area,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “The school provides an amazing educational opportunity for high school students who want to fast-track their college goals.”

The school’s growing popularity is reflected by a steady rise in applications (available online at scfcs.scf.edu/venice ).

“This year, we have the most applications we’ve ever had,” said Peck.

With a capacity of 100 students in each grade and a present-day student enrollment of 317, seats are assigned by an open lottery from January through March. There’s currently a record 40-student waiting list for August’s incoming freshman class. The school has openings in 10th and 11th grades for the 2024-2025 school year; juniors must have an unweighted 3.0 grade point average and pass the Post-secondary Education Readiness Test.

“Ideal Collegiate School candidates are very motivated, college focused, have typically taken high school courses in eighth grade and are following an accelerated academic path,” said Peck.

Unlike traditional schools with advanced courses, SCF Collegiate’s students take biology, chemistry, government and economics earlier, in ninth and 10th grades.

“We do a lot of career exploration as well,” said Peck.

Students work to meet academic criteria for full-time dual enrollment in 11th and 12th grades. Completing high school graduation requirements early gives seniors the flexibility to explore electives and complete computer and other certifications, making them eligible for good jobs right out of high school. Popular electives include computer classes, theater and music appreciation, astronomy and marine biology. The school also offers canoeing and backpacking electives.

To date, 120 students have graduated from SCFCS Venice since 2021 — 114 with associate degrees. And 98% attend a four-year college, mostly at in-state schools. Only 65% of Florida’s high school graduates statewide opt for postsecondary education. Peck said members of this year’s class plan to pursue bachelor’s degrees in business, engineering, advertising, marketing, theater — “the whole gamut.”

“It’s exciting to see our students continue with their education,” said Peck. “It takes two to three years to get a bachelor’s degree after our students graduate with their A.A., so our first graduation class is just now graduating with a four-year degree.”

As for graduation, Peck’s favorite activity of the year, it’s a time to acknowledge the successes of every student, some of whom required occasional pep talks, encouragement and handholding.

“Our program is a lot of work, and these are teenagers who are embracing their education.,” said Peck. “To me, students who have grit and resiliency for this program are successful when they get their A.A. degree. I love graduation because I know what it has taken for these students to get through this program. It’s four years of hard work, but it pays off in the end.”

Additional schools throughout Wellen Park cater to the educational needs of area students. College Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free K-8 charter school, welcomed its first students in 2023. Prodigy Early Learning, a preschool for 200 children, expects to open this fall. Sarasota County Schools is building a new high school and K-8 school in Wellen Park.

Children in Wellen Park are also eligible to attend Sarasota Schools’ A-rated Taylor Ranch Elementary, Venice Middle and Venice High schools.

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