SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. – The Seaside School in Santa Rosa Beach has announced that it is partnering with Northwest Florida State College (NWFS) to launch a collegiate high school.
According to The Seaside School, Inc., the multi-million-dollar Seacoast Collegiate High School (SCHS) project will expand the partnership between SCHS and NWFSC by providing a permanent home for SCHS at the South Walton Campus of NWFSC. Additionally, it will develop a high school dual enrollment center for all students in Walton County.
The Seaside School said it hopes to break ground on the new facilities this year, with doors opening to students in 2025.
“Walton County and the surrounding areas are currently experiencing rapid growth. We believe investing in the people of our community is needed and necessary now more than ever,” said Patrick McCarthy, Seaside School Foundation President.
“By expanding this partnership between two historically successful institutions, we will make Walton County an even better place to live and thrive.”
Currently, ninth and tenth grades at SCHS operate in five classrooms that are leased from NWFSC at the South Walton Campus. Students in eleventh and twelfth grades attend classes on the Niceville Campus of NWFSC.
With the expansion project, The Seaside School said it will consolidate all high school students at the NWFSC South Walton Campus as well as expand the collegiate programs to more students in Walton County by adding additional instructional space for students in grades nine through twelve and the community.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant epicenter for not only dual enrollment education but also higher learning opportunities that will not only benefit our students but will provide all high school students in Walton County more access to a college education and fulfill their educational goals,” said Kim Mixson, Chief Academic Officer, The Seaside School.
The new facility will include “The Accelerator,” which will offer training, mentoring, and collaboration to new area businesses and entrepreneurs, said The Seaside School.
NWFSC is providing five acres of land on which The Seaside School will construct new educational facilities. The facilities reportedly will consist of three additional buildings for both SCHS and NWFSC classrooms, shared lab space, The Accelerator, continuing education, and other workforce preparedness opportunities for the community, as well as green spaces to unite the campus.
“Our college’s commitment to provide expansive educational and training opportunities for the citizens of Northwest Florida is evidenced once again in this strong partnership with Seacoast Collegiate High School,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Northwest Florida State College.
“We believe dual enrollment opportunities are the key to advancing educational attainment in our region and in Florida.”
According to The Seaside School, the next step in the project is to secure funding and letters of support from stakeholders and community members.
For more information on the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project, including naming and gift opportunities, campus renderings, and upcoming informational sessions, visit SeasideSchools.net.
