Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I choose St. Petersburg Collegiate High School?

The purpose of SPCHS is to provide an opportunity for qualified students to accelerate their education by earning college credits toward an Associate in Arts degree while completing high school graduation requirements.

2. In what grades can students enroll?

Students can enroll in 10th and 11th grades.

3. How much college credit can students earn in high school?

The number of college credits will vary due to the specialization courses required in the field of study selected by the student. Most programs are a minimum of 60 credits for an Associate in Arts degree. As part of the mission of SPCHS, students are expected to earn an Associate in Arts degree.

4. What is the capacity of SPCHS?

Anticipated enrollment will be 200 students in grades 10-12. If more applications are received than openings, a random lottery will be conducted.

5. When can students apply?

The application period is January 1st through February 10th.

6. What is the application process?

Parents and students must attend an orientation meeting and complete all application materials. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

7. How will students be chosen?

Students will be chosen through a random lottery.

8. When will the lottery be conducted?

SPCHS will conduct the lotter in late February after all applications are received and verified to ensure completion.

9. When will I know if I have been accepted?

Students will receive either an invitation letter or a notification of wait list status by March 1st.

10. If not accepted, can I apply again for the next grade level?

Yes, applications will be taken each year for open positions in grade levels 10 and 11.

11. What program will students follow?

Students entering SPCHS as sophomores will enter the Pre-Collegiate program. Students entering SPCHS as juniors will enter the Collegiate program.

12. What is Pre-Collegiate status?

Students entering the 10th grade are placed in the pre-collegiate program. Their classes will be taught by certified high school teachers on the St. Pete/Gibbs Campus. Their course of study will be based on course progressions initiated during their ninth grade year. Credits earned during this year will meet Florida high school graduation requirements.

13. What is Collegiate status?

Students who have passed the College Placement Test and have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher are placed in the Collegiate program. Collegiate-status students will take college courses offered at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. These courses will meet Florida high school graduation requirements and course requirements for the AA degree.

14. What is a typical school day?

Juniors and Seniors follow their college class schedule and must attend a mandatory weekly meeting.

Sophomores are in high school classes between 8 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. Attendance is taken daily to maintain accurate records to report to the state Department of Education.

15. What is the cost to attend?

There is no cost for application, tuition, course fees or textbooks. The program is subsidized through state education funds.

16. Can students who have participated in Dual Credit courses apply for SPCHS?

Yes, if they have met the application requirements.

17. Who are the instructors?

In the pre-collegiate program, students will be taught high school courses by state certified high school teachers

In the collegiate program, students will be taught by college faculty with doctorates and masters degrees. (SPCHS students will attend college classes along with other SPC college students)

18. Where will high school classes take place?

The Collegiate High School facilities are located on the St. Pete/Gibbs campus of St. Petersburg College at 6605 5th Ave N in St. Petersburg. The high school classes will take place on the second floor of the Student Services building.

19. Can high school students participate in SPC activities and student organizations?

Yes. They are eligible to join SPC student clubs, but may want to create their own student organizations. The college will not organize extracurricular activities exclusively for the Collegiate High School students, but parents are encouraged through PTSA to assist with extracurricular activities. The SPCHS staff sponsor several clubs for students including Interact, National Honor Society, Student Government Association, and Multicultural Club. Please contact the school for a complete list of clubs.

Students are not allowed to try out for SPC athletic teams; however, they are encouraged to participate in the campus intramural activities.

Students may be able to participate in high school athletic teams at a high school assigned by Pinellas County Schools, schedule permitting.