The Collegiate High School is proud to be recognized by The Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) as a recipient of the 2024 LTG (Retired) H.G. “Pete” Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award™ at the MCEC Global Training Summit in Washington, DC.
The Collegiate School of District 82 FSU Bay is proud to serve military students who transfer to the area. We offer transition planning, a welcoming team of students to help with adjustment, and meetings to discuss academic and FSU dual enrollment options. We acknowledge and appreciate military families' sacrifices to serve our country and extend all support available to embrace these students in our school community.
Transition Planning
We assist military families with transitioning to our school and community by offering in-person or virtual meetings to discuss coursework, progression plans, and dual enrollment options and address any questions or concerns the student or parent/guardian may have. Military students are accepted anytime during the school year and bypass the lottery system.
The Director of The Collegiate School, Debbi Whitaker, facilitates transition planning for military families. Our Director serves as an Honorary Commander of Tyndall Air Force Base and is also The Collegiate School’s Military Point of Contact, actively striving to serve the military families of our area. The Director may be contacted at d.whitaker@fsu.edu
Academic Planning
Students will be evaluated for academic standing using the Florida Graduation Requirements. During our transition meetings, military family students are encouraged to explore our dual enrollment options and set a course for a top-tier high school education. In some instances, we can waive requirements or find concurrent options that satisfy dual enrollment requirements so that students can access advanced opportunities. The state of Florida has implemented a new program called Xello that offers credit tracking, scholarship writing, and career planning. We are implementing this online tool to provide academic, college and career planning for every student.
Resources and Educational Opportunities
The Collegiate School at FSU PC has exceptional resources for all students as part of Florida State University Panama City. For those students who qualify, and currently, approximately 70% of our students, there is the opportunity to begin dual enrollment as a 9th grade student and continue increasing the number of dual-enrolled classes each year of high school.
TCS and FSU work together in selecting classes that will not only meet the requirements for high school graduation but also transfer to any university a student attends. This is of special significance for military students who need a choice of dual-enrolled classes that can be transferred to any location.
Student-led Transition Program
The student-led transition team is under the leadership of our Student Government Association (SGA). This group of school leaders includes students who are part of military families. The dynamic SGA hosting committee combines students with similar military life experiences with students who have requested to serve as hosts for new students. Providing understanding and a welcoming attitude, a seamless adjustment to our new location.
Exceptional Student Education Services
The Collegiate School follows all federal guidelines related to ESE services. Our individualized meetings address all student learning, including 504 or IEP accommodations and meetings to support the needs of each student. Our contact person for ESE support services is Dana Manis, Student Services Specialist, dmm10@fsu.edu.
Military Recognition events
Special recognition of designated military holidays and events is important to all students and staff of The Collegiate School at FSU PC. Veterans Day and Memorial Day are both celebrated as a school community. The Month of the Military Child is especially important to a school with a mission of serving military families. Specific events at Tyndall Air Force Base are attended by the student body when possible, and participation in events sponsored by the Navy and Coast Guard are essential in planning each year’s calendar.
School-based Mental Health Services
We recognize the needs of our military-connected students as they transition to a new school community and assist with needs as they arise. Students will be supported by our student services team and contracted service providers when appropriate. We also facilitate access to proper community professionals. Teachers are trained to recognize behavioral mental health needs. The Collegiate School works to foster an emotionally safe space for all students. Our contact for these services is Monique Hall, Student Services Specialist, m.hall@fsu.edu.