FSWC – Charlotte High School is designed to provide motivated students of all ability levels the challenge of high academic standards, rigorous curricula and pre-college study in an intimate and innovative environment. All core courses (English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science) are taught at the honors level. Teachers are charged with helping students to develop the attitudes, behaviors, and skills necessary to become honors students and, ultimately, college students.

With enrollment limited to 400 (approx. 100 per grade level), teachers focus on individualized  instruction and encourage students’ intrinsic motivation through a stimulating learning environment. Teachers work together to develop curricula that meet the established Florida benchmarks and curriculum standards.

FSWC students have the opportunity to graduate with their high school diploma and an Associate in Arts (AA) degree simultaneously, thanks to the resources provided by Florida SouthWestern State College Charlotte Campus. Students are required to demonstrate mastery of FSW’s general education competencies prior to graduating with their AA degree:

• Critical thinking
• Communication – writing, reading, speaking and listening
• Ethics and values
• Quantitative reasoning and interpersonal skills

Students have the opportunity to begin taking dual enrollment classes, which count for both high school and college credit. Students must meet minimum GPA requirements (3.5 for sophomores and 3.0 for juniors) and Accuplacer/ACT/SAT testing requirements in order to qualify for dual enrollment. They will work with the high school counselor to begin the process of choosing courses. Eventually, they will also be assigned a college advisor. The high school counselor and the college advisor will work together to ensure that students are meeting both high school and college requirements.