10th-graders achieve success at Polk State’s collegiate high schools

Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School completed their first school year with 10th-graders on the roster, and they are proud to report that these students achieved great success during the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

There were many 100% proficiency rates across state testing results, including in Biology at Chain of Lakes, and in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies at Lakeland Collegiate. Specific to 10th grade, Lakeland Collegiate’s sophomores achieved 100% proficiency, and Chain of Lakes’ sophomores reached 94% proficiency on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Reading test.

Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, students have expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to jumpstart their collegiate careers, citing the support of faculty and staff in helping them transition seamlessly to the college environment.

“My 10th-grade experience has been extremely positive,” said Layla Palmer, a student at Chain of Lakes. “It’s a different environment. The staff really focuses on the students’ needs.”

Polk State’s collegiate high schools, which include Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School, allow students to take college courses and get the experience of a college atmosphere throughout their high school years. In most cases, students graduate simultaneously with their high school diplomas and Associate in Arts (AA) degrees at no cost to them. In fact, this year, three students achieved their bachelor’s degrees.

Several members of the first 10th-grade classes have their eyes on doctorate degrees and are seizing the opportunity to get an earlier and affordable start on their higher education goals.

“The opportunities they provide [are] incredible – to be able to achieve an associate degree while graduating high school,” said Dennis Fetty, a student at Lakeland Collegiate. “I want to get a doctorate, so this is a good pathway to my goal.”

Polk State’s youngest students also had the opportunity to test for several industry certifications, which provide a competitive edge when considered for future employment. At Chain of Lakes, 41 sophomores earned Agriculture Associate, Agriculture Systems Associate, and/or Project Management certifications.

Parents are echoing their excitement, especially in celebration of positive end-of-the-year results.

“As a SAC member and parent of a 10th grader, I am truly thrilled and grateful to see such incredible outcomes across the board,” shared Lakeland Collegiate School Advisory Council member Michelle Zamora. “A 100% pass rate for both the 10th grade state test and the Biology EOC (End-of-Course assessment), along with a 100% graduation rate, is a remarkable achievement – and a reflection of the dedication, passion and hard work of your faculty, staff and leadership.”

“As a parent of a 10th grader, this is the best decision we could have made for our daughter to attend Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School. The experience has been incredible,” Joanne Stewart exclaimed. “The teachers, staff and admin pour themselves into the students. The individual attention and tailored scheduling for my child is exactly what she needed to flourish academically. My child isn’t just a number; we believe this school is like a family where all staff know the kids by their first names and do everything they can to help the students succeed. To be able to achieve an AA degree at no cost in an environment as positive and supportive as Chain of Lakes is a great opportunity for any student.”

Both Chain of Lakes and Lakeland Collegiate high schools are at capacity for 2025-2026; however, students may still apply for wait lists. Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate accepts applications year-round and plans to add 10th grade in 2026-2027. Applications and more information are available at polk.edu/charter-high-schools.