NWFSC Partners with Seacoast and Seaside School Foundation
In September, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), Seacoast Collegiate High School and The Seaside School Foundation partnered to construct a new educational facility at the College’s South Walton Center. The new facility, named Seacoast Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College, will provide a dual enrollment educational center housing Seacoast and NWFSC classrooms, as well as a shared-use space for workforce development, continuing education, and other workforce preparedness instruction.
“Seacoast and Northwest Florida State College are excited to expand our partnership at the South Walton Campus to show our mutual commitment to improving access to quality educational offerings for students and residents throughout Walton County,” said NWFSC President, Dr. Devin Stephenson.
The Seaside School Foundation will finance the project in exchange for a property lease. The lease agreement provides 3.5 years for Seacoast to complete construction and open the new facility, a 40-year lease after opening, and two options to renew for up to 10 years each.
The collaboration between NWFSC and Seacoast Collegiate High School began in 2013 when Seacoast leased space from the College at the South Walton Center to provide instruction for high school students. Seacoast students begin the program in ninth and 10th grade with college-level study beginning in 11th grade at Northwest Florida State College.
For more information about the Seacoast Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College, contact Cristie Kedroski, Northwest Florida State College, at (850) 543-8178 or kedroski@nwfsc.edu, or Teresa Horton, Seaside Schools Foundation, at (513) 578-9555 or teresa@seasideschoolfoundation.org.
Seaside School, Inc. Shines With 2020-21 Test Results
Seaside School, Inc., the oldest operable charter school in Florida, recently received state test results from the 2020-21 school year and was named #3 combination school in the state, along with ranking #2 in 7th and 8th grade mathematics, #6 in 8th grade science, #7 in state for 10th grade, and testing in the top 4% of state for English Language Arts for 5th through 10th grade.
“Certainly, the performance of Seaside School, even with a small population of students, plays an integral part in the success of Walton County School District’s grade. We treasure this relationship and the willing, intentional collaboration that we engage in for each child to receive a world-class education, contributing to the success of all students,” said Mr. A. Russell Hughes, Superintendent of Walton County School District. “Thank you, Seaside School, for carrying out, maintaining, and staying in lockstep with the high standards set by Walton County School District.”
Founded in 1996, now celebrating 25 years, the Seaside School, was one of the first and is now the oldest operating public charter school in the State of Florida. The original goal was simple – create a school to address the need for better middle school education in Walton County – and it hasn’t stopped since, now serving nearly 400 students across three campuses encompassing 5th through 12th grades.
“The Seaside Neighborhood School was an attempt to prove that a small school, fully integrated into a neighborhood and a community, could achieve better outcomes and help children mature better than the currently conventional large schools built on land a considerable distance from houses, shops, and cultural centers. Such a school could draw on cultural and community resources and engage citizens in the education of its students,” said Seaside Founders Robert and Daryl Davis, along with their son, Micah.
Seaside Neighborhood School serves 5th through 8th grades and is located in the iconic beach town of Seaside, Florida. Located on the campus of nearby Northwest Florida State College, Seacoast Collegiate High School serves 9th through 12th grades offering students the ability to graduate high school with an associate college degree.
“Seaside School’s success over the past 25 years reflects the passion, talent, and dedication of our students, faculty, staff and administration,” said Dr. Rosemary Williams, Co-Founder of Seaside Neighborhood School and Board Member of The Seaside School Foundation. “Our founders, the Davis family, inspire and support our growth. Our Governing Board, Foundation Board, and our extended family of parents and volunteers work tirelessly to fulfill the mission of our school. We all look forward to the next 25 years. Our future is very bright!”
