ALACHUA COUNTY – For most graduating seniors, commencement marks the completion of one educational journey before another begins. But for dozens of Alachua County students, the next step may already be underway.
Twenty-two Alachua County Public Schools seniors who will receive high school diplomas this year have already graduated from Santa Fe College with Associate of Arts degrees. Four additional students completed Emergency Medical Technician certifications through the college while still enrolled in high school.
The students participated in the district’s dual enrollment program, a partnership between Alachua County Public Schools and Santa Fe College that has existed for nearly three decades and allows students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements.
The program gives students an opportunity to complete college coursework without paying tuition costs, allowing some participants to enter college with a significant number of credits already earned — and in some cases, complete an entire associate degree before receiving a high school diploma.
Alachua County Public Schools was among the first school districts in Florida to offer the opportunity to high school students.
According to Santa Fe College officials, the program continues to produce substantial educational and financial benefits for participating students and their families.
“Our community’s students are top-notch, and the amount of money families save through our partnership is extraordinary,” said Dr. Jen Homard, Santa Fe College’s executive director of secondary programs.
Homard said the 26 seniors who completed associate degrees or certifications collectively earned approximately 1,500 college credit hours and saved more than $130,000 in tuition and textbook costs.
Across the broader dual enrollment program, ACPS seniors attending Santa Fe College earned more than 11,500 college credit hours during the 2025-26 school year, representing an estimated savings of roughly $1.2 million in educational costs.
Students also expanded their college experiences beyond Santa Fe College. District officials reported that 82 ACPS students were dual-enrolled at the University of Florida during the school year, collectively earning nearly 300 college credit hours.
The students earning Associate of Arts degrees through Santa Fe College this year are Julia Allen, Kelsey Bush, Alberto Castillo, Riley Davis, Lia Floarea Dobra, Michael Hammond, Alexander Harris, Lillian Ho, Priya Thakor, Casey Bauer, Alayna Forrest, Jaite Howell, Kylee Kaster, Mary Loosli, Isabella Luria, Jade McKillop, Nova Prter, Sophie Suslov, Gita Syer, Ashton Washington, Palin Yang and Kinsey Young.
Students earning EMT certifications are Gabriel Mathson, Zachary Nanke, Emanuel Cruz-Flecha and Ella Giuliano.
For those students, graduation season carries two milestones instead of one, walking across the stage for a high school diploma while already holding college credentials that many students do not earn until years later.
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