St. Petersburg Collegiate High School
General Information
About (Overview)
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School (SPCHS) is a public charter high school located in St. Petersburg, Florida, operating through a partnership with St. Petersburg College (SPC). Founded in 2004, the school offers a unique educational model: students in grades 10–12 concurrently complete high school coursework and college-level classes at SPC and have the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree at no cost for tuition, books or fees.
The school emphasizes academic rigor, college readiness, and leadership in a small-school environment; with a student body of around 240 students, the school fosters an intensive, focused learning community that supports motivated learners. The model enables students to immerse themselves in college-level study while still in high school, accelerating their postsecondary progress and reducing time to degree completion. SPCHS holds a “School of Excellence” designation from the Florida Department of Education and was awarded the National Blue Ribbon for Exemplary High Performing School status in 2017.
Contact Information
- Address: 6605 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710, USA
- Phone Number: (727) 341-4610
- Email Address: (General inquiries typically directed to the charter high school office of SPC)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2004 |
| Motto | “Cultivate successful learners and leaders” |
| Grades Served | 10–12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~48.8 :1 (2023-24) |
| Enrollment | Approximately 240 students |
| School Type | Public Charter High School |
| Campus Location | Urban, St. Petersburg, Florida |
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| National Blue Ribbon Schools Award | Awardee 2017 |
| Niche Overall Grade | A+ |
| Niche “Best Charter High Schools in Florida” | #2 of 166 |
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Academics
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies & Global Studies
- Dual Enrollment / College Curricula
- College & Career Advising
- Technology & Applied Studies
- Counseling & Student Services
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- High school diploma combined with A.A. degree from St. Petersburg College
- College-level coursework through dual enrollment in English, mathematics, science, social studies
- Advanced college preparatory curriculum emphasizing transferable credits
- Opportunity to earn industry certifications through SPC alongside college credit
- Emphasis on leadership, scholarship, and readiness for four-year universities
Online Learning
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School offers components of online and blended learning primarily via its college partner SPC. Students may access online college-course modules, tutoring, and digital resources for both high school and college classes. During special circumstances or remediation, students can engage in virtual coursework to maintain progress.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~1250 (based on Niche survey) |
| ACT | ~27 (based on Niche survey) |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The four-year cohort graduation rate is exceptionally high at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, often reaching or exceeding 98% according to SchoolDigger data. Retention from grade 10 through grade 12 is supported by a highly structured college-prep environment, small student population, dedicated faculty and college advising infrastructure. Students are guided through both high school and early college pathways, helping ensure they complete their diplomas and associate degrees on schedule.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
While the school does not publish formal minimum GPA or standardized test benchmarks for admission, admitted students typically demonstrate strong academic performance, readiness for college-level classes, and motivation to succeed in a dual-enrollment context. The average SAT of ~1250 and ACT of ~27 reflect the school’s college-readiness emphasis.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Acceptance Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Admission | Competitive; limited enrollment (~240 students) |
| Lottery / Selection | Admission includes criteria and space-limited process |
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Application Requirements
Applicants to St. Petersburg Collegiate High School must complete the charter school application process and meet criteria established by St. Petersburg College and the Pinellas County Schools system. This includes submission of prior academic records (typically completion of grade 9), evidence of readiness for rigorous academic work, and an interview or guidance session with school counselors. Students and families should demonstrate commitment to dual enrollment, college coursework and the immersive model that blends high school and college experiences. The application emphasizes motivation, maturity and readiness to navigate both high school and early college environments.
Application Process
- Submit the charter high school application during the designated application window.
- Provide academic transcripts (end of grade 9) and standardized test/placement information if required.
- Attend information session or interview with SPC/charter school staff.
- If space exceeds applications, participate in lottery or selection process.
- Upon acceptance, attend orientation at SPC campus and begin scheduling high school and college courses.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Late Autumn |
| Application Deadline | Early Spring |
| Acceptance Notification | Spring |
| New Student Orientation | Summer before academic year |
Essay Prompt
There is no standard essay prompt for general enrollment. However, students may be asked to submit a short personal statement or attend an interview to discuss academic goals, readiness for the collegiate model, and interest in earning both a diploma and a college degree concurrently.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Scholarships
As a public charter school operating through SPC, students receive tuition-free access to both high school and college courses. While dedicated scholarships may not be required, students completing the dual-degree model are eligible for Florida’s Bright Futures and other postsecondary scholarships given their advanced standing and early college credits.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free for students (public charter) |
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Books/Fees (college) | None for dual-enrollment pathway |
| Activity/Materials Fee | Varies; may apply to certain college lab courses |
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School serves a diverse student body of approximately 240 students in grades 10–12. Racial/ethnic breakdown includes approximately 55% White, 16% Hispanic, 13% Asian, 8% Black/African-American and 8% identifying as two or more races. Students engage in rigorous dual-enrollment coursework at the college level, and many come motivated to accelerate their academic progress through the collegiate model.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The school supports inclusive access: though the percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch is relatively lower (13.1% as listed in some reports), SPCHS is committed to providing pathways for motivated students regardless of background. Students with disabilities and English-language learners may be eligible for support services through SPC and the charter high school framework.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~244 students |
| Grades Served | 10-12 |
| Average Class Size | High due to dual-enrollment model (student-teacher ratio ~48.8) |
School Diversity
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School embraces diversity within its academic community by cultivating strong peer collaboration, college-level expectations, and a small-school culture that unites students across different backgrounds in a shared mission. The collegiate model places students within a genuine college campus environment from grade 10 onward, promoting maturity, independence, and academic responsibility. The student population’s mix of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds enriches classroom discussion and fosters cultural awareness among learners engaged in dual-credit coursework. This inclusive, high-expectation setting helps prepare students for success in four-year colleges and beyond, equipping them to thrive in diverse academic and professional environments.
Average Earnings
While specific alumni earnings data is not publicly published, graduates of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School leave with both a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree, giving them a significant head-start in postsecondary education and workforce readiness. This accelerated pathway reduces time and cost to a four-year degree and increases lifetime earning potential. By entering the workforce or continuing in college with advanced standing, alumni are positioned to access higher-wage jobs sooner, providing a long-term boost to earning trajectories compared to typical high school graduates.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at SPCHS include a small team of high school teachers, highly experienced college advisors from SPC, and counselors dedicated to the dual-enrollment program. For example, the National Blue Ribbon citation notes five high school teachers, two school counselors and a college academic advisor supporting the school’s cohort of 240 students. This lean staffing reflects the intimate model of the school, with strong academic support and an integrated high school/college instructional environment.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School are selected for their ability to guide students through the transition from high school to college coursework. They often hold advanced degrees, and the college advisors support students’ academic planning, college major articulation and career readiness. The collaborative structure between SPC faculty and charter high-school staff ensures students receive both high school guidance and access to college-level expectations.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a charter high school embedded within St. Petersburg College’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, SPCHS students attend classes on a college campus environment rather than a traditional high-school campus. There is no on-campus housing; students commute to the college campus for coursework and high school classes. Student life includes access to college resources, tutoring, library facilities, and campus media, while the high school maintains its cohort identity through peer support, leadership groups, and school-specific traditions.
Transportation
Students travel to the campus via personal transportation, public transit, or college shuttle options available through SPC or the district. Being located in an urban campus setting in St. Petersburg, the campus is accessible via major roadways and nearby transit, facilitating commuter access for the diverse student body.