Before ever receiving a high school diploma, students of the Lennard Collegiate Academy will have already completed their freshman year of college.

   The ambitious program allows for up to thirty applicable credit hours toward any public college or university in Florida. High school seniors also have the cost of tuition and books waved while dual enrolled. Lennard’s graduates enter their first year of college as a sophomore — saving, on average, over $2,500. Along with its academic advantages, the institute has been praised for alleviating financial burdens in an area where nearly 70 percent of the population qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches. This program is open to high school juniors and seniors exclusively, but there are further requirements.

   For students to be eligible for the program, they must have at least a 3.0 unweighted grade point average, or a 3.0 weighted GPA as calculated by the State University System rules (SUS).In addition, students must also submit a recommendation from their guidance counselor, and have taken either the SAT, ACT (both tests are used as admissions factors for state universities), or PERT.Students can also take regular dual enrollment classes at night, or over the summer if they choose, and advanced placement (AP) high school courses to get even further ahead in their degree. According the the HCC website, the “Dual Enrollment Program is an opportunity to take challenging courses and to accelerate education.”