Both programs allow students to take college courses while still in high school. The HSCA program creates a schedule for the student with progress toward a specific end goal in mind – a degree in a STEM or healthcare field – and provides additional learning opportunities based on their career interest area. HSCA students are full-time college students during 11th and 12th grade, taking 12-15 college credit hours per semester, and graduating with their AA degree and high school diploma at the same time. General dual enrollment students may choose the courses they take and are generally limited to 9 college credit hours per semester. General dual enrollment students may or may not earn enough credits to complete their AA degree while in high school.
Both. The date of the graduation ceremony at LSSC is different than the high school, so students are able to participate in both ceremonies.
LPN (License Practical Nurse) is not currently offered at LSSC. LPN is offered at Lake Tech College.
LSSC offers FREE tutoring to our students. Tutoring is available in person as well as virtually and is coordinated through the learning centers on each campus.
Students also have access to the Math Emporium.
Students are discouraged from taking 7-week courses as their schedule should be similar to their High school schedule, in which students would be expected to take courses throughout the entire semester. Summer A7 and B7 classes are options for HSCA students.
Students who have an IEP can connect with our Student Accessibility Services Department to assist with accommodations that may be needed. More information can be found at:
https://www.lssc.edu/student-resources/student-accessibility-services/
There are resources to help students succeed available on our website: https://www.lssc.edu/hsca/parent-and-student-resources/
If the student has not taken two years of foreign language in high school, they will need to take 2 semesters of foreign language at LSSC or through Florida Virtual School, as it is a requirement to obtain their AA degree.
Yes, students are encouraged to take 1-2 courses over the summer to lighten their fall/spring semester load.
At this time, students who complete the HSCA program will only be able to graduate with their High School Diploma and an Associate in Arts Degree in General Studies. However, students can take prerequisite courses for AS degree programs and continue their studies at LSSC after their graduation from the program. Students pursuing this option can continue their studies close to home and earn the AS degree in a shorter time. Programs include Health Services Management, Medical Lab Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Respiratory Care. We continue to work to enhance the options for students and hope to offer additional options in the future.
Students cannot take courses at another college/university while being a part of the HSCA program. If the student is going out of state, they can register for an online course through LSSC to allow them the flexibility for travel.
Pinecrest students who have completed courses through Doral College can submit their transcripts to the registrar’s office to have their transcripts evaluated.
Due to FERPA, we are restricted as to what information can be shared with individuals other than the student. If a FERPA waiver is on file and you are listed as an authorized party, we can share information as deemed appropriate. We recommend regularly sitting down with your student to review their LSSC Canvas to monitor their progress.
While there are no direct internship/work opportunities offered by HSCA, there is a teen volunteer program available with South Lake Hospital. Additional outside volunteer/internship opportunities are shared with students as they are received by HSCA staff.
As part of the HSCA program, students must attend full-time for the entire 4-year or 2-year program and will not be able to graduate early while in this program.
An opportunity for students to graduate from high school and LSSC early may be available through Dual Enrollment- Early Admissions.
Yes and No. The college/university will accept the completion of your AA Degree, however, individual courses will be reviewed by the admissions department of the transfer institution. We will attempt to align courses with the requirements published in the college catalog for the student’s program of choice. However, students planning to transfer to an out-of-state or private institution are encouraged to contact an advisor at the chosen school for more information and guidance.
HSCA students have been accepted to schools such as:
The University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State University, University of Rhode Island, University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin, North Carolina State University, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Florida Gulf Coast University, Stetson University, John Hopkins University, Louisiana State University, Arizona State University, Boston University, Colorado State University.
The average class size ranges between 20-30 students, depending on the class.
If the student is in the HSCA-Nursing Track, they will take the required pre-requisite courses for the Nursing program. Actual nursing courses are not offered until the student is enrolled in A.S. Nursing or B.S. Nursing program.
Students enrolled in the HSCA program will be pursuing an AA Degree (also known as the Transfer Degree)
AA Degree is an Associate in Arts Degree in General Studies and does not consist of a particular major. Students may decide to concentrate on a certain field that will align with the Bachelor’s Degree they plan on pursuing. HSCA students have two track options: MD/STEM and Nursing/Allied Health and take classes that align with these tracks.
The 4-year program is for students entering 9th grade at East Ridge High School, Lake Minneola High School, Pinecrest Lakes Middle/High School, or South Lake High School.
The 2-year program is for students entering 11th grade at any Lake County High School or Pinecrest Lakes Middle/High School.
There is a limit as to how many students we can accept from each high school. During the application period, you should move forward with registration at the zoned high school (keeping in mind that they will be attending LSSC full-time in 11th and 12th grades). Due to the timing of the HSCA application deadline and the Educational Choice lottery, HSCA acceptance is based on the student’s zoned school. If accepted into HSCA and offered a choice waiver, you can transfer to the choice school and remain in HSCA if there are available spots at that school.
- Tuition is 100% free to the student.
- The student will graduate with their HS diploma as well as their AA Degree if they complete the HSCA program.
- The student is provided AHA CPR training and will be CPR certified
- The student will have job shadowing opportunities and on campus hands-on experience activities through the experiential learning
- Lots of networking opportunities
- Flexibility and independence
- Gain college experience as a great transition period between high school and university.
- Paired up with an Ambassador (HSCA Senior) for peer mentorship and guidance.
- Students are able to attend LSSC full-time and take 15-18 credit hours per semester.
- Students have a guided pathway/curriculum set for them each semester aligned with their career path.
- HSCA students are placed in courses with other HSCA students.
Two-Year Program- February of the student’s 10th-grade year.
Four-Year Program – January of the student’s 8th-grade year.
Two-Year Program (10th graders)- Mid April
Four-Year Program (8th graders)– Mid February
Two-Year Program- There is no cap on enrollment.
Four-Year Program – 50 students per high school.
Two-year program (10th-graders) Students must submit an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0, qualifying PERT scores, an essay pertaining to why they want to be in the program, and the counselor approval form.
Four-Year Program (8th graders) students must submit a report card documenting an unweighted GPA of 3.0, an essay pertaining to why they want to be in the program, and references from two teachers or school counselors.
Post-secondary education readiness test. There are 3 sections- Math, Reading, and Writing. This exam is free and scheduled at the high school. For additional information including qualifying scores please visit: https://www.lssc.edu/future-students/de/public-school/
Yes, ACT and SAT. For additional information including qualifying scores please visit: https://www.lssc.edu/future-students/de/public-school/
Yes, The HSCA program has coursework that aligns with a variety of Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM), and Health Science majors.
60 credits is the minimum requirement in order to graduate with an AA Degree.
Yes, we have many students who still participate in activities at their high school, however, it cannot interfere with their class schedule at LSSC. They will need to communicate with the high school to make those arrangements.
Yes, see below:
8th grade- HOPE, Algebra I
9th grade- Geometry, English I Honors, Biology, World History AP, Choice-Fine & Performing Arts, Executive Intern I, Language I.
10th grade- Algebra II, English II Honors, Chemistry, US History AP, Choice-Fine & Performing Arts, Voluntary Public Service, SLS 1401, Language II
8th-grade students entering into the HSCA 4-year program are expected to complete HOPE over the summer following the completion of 8th grade. They will need to advise their 8th-grade counselor at the middle school in order to make the prior arrangements to take the course online through Florida Virtual School. Once the student has completed HOPE, they will advise their high school counselor in order to ensure that the credit is applied to their transcript.
2-year program students will not be taking classes at the high school, they will be attending LSSC full-time for 11th and 12th grade.
4-year program Listed below is the typical schedule for students while at the High School:
8th grade- HOPE, Algebra I
9th grade- Geometry, English I Honors, Biology, World History AP, Choice-Fine & Performing Arts, Executive Intern I, Language I.
10th grade- Algebra II, English II Honors, Chemistry, US History AP, Choice-Fine & Performing Arts, Voluntary Public Service, SLS 1401, Language II
11th and 12th grade – Full time at LSSC
On average students will be taking a total of 20 classes or more than 60 credits.
Both. Students’ math and science classes will be in-person, however, there are some classes that students will have the opportunity to take in a hybrid, real-time online, or fully online format.
Transportation to LSSC campuses is not provided by LSSC or Lake County Schools. Students/Parents are responsible for making transportation arrangements.
Once the student completes the semester (to avoid any disruption in their studies), they will be transitioned back into High School. At that point, the student will work with their HS guidance counselor to set up a schedule and explore additional options such as general dual enrollment.