NeoCity Academy: This is a high school in Kissimmee, Florida. The school opened in 2019 and quickly drew attention for an intense emphasis on STEM. It’s shorthand for science, technology, engineering and math. So, let’s take a closer look. You’ll get a summary of what NeoCity Academy has to offer from their academic programs and opportunities. Also know about what students and families can expect & more.
A Public School With a Focus on STEM
NeoCity Academy isn’t like most public high schools. It’s a part of the School District of Osceola County, and its mission is to prepare students for life beyond. Among careers in that future are jobs such as those in the sciences, engineering and tech. The college is based in NeoCity, a 500-acre tech hub in Central Florida and a burgeoning innovation and research center.
The school eschews traditional classrooms. Instead, it has open spaces where students work on projects. It uses project-based learning. Students, in other words, aren’t just memorizing facts. They troubleshoot, they collaborate and they learn by trial and error. Every student is given a laptop, and most learning is done digitally.
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What Students Learn at NeoCity Academy
At NeoCity Academy, there are three main tracks. They are Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, and Cybersecurity and Software Development. These tracks help students specialize in their work. But the school also has core classes, such as English, history, and math. The distinguishing moment of them is the way the material is presented. For example, in an English class, students can learn about how technology affects society. Then they can make a presentation or a website to illustrate their findings. The core idea is that the subjects are mixed, so the student remembers their material more effectively.
A Day in the Life at NeoCity Academy
“What’s a regular day like at NeoCity Academy, then?”, one might wonder. Well, there is no regular day: students do not just walk from one classroom to another; their day can consist of lab work, group projects, or one-on-one with a teacher. There are no bells – students are assumed to have the capability to manage their schedule at 16. That sounds like responsibility to me. Sure, keeping focused on the project for weeks on end can be hard. However, many students claim they prefer this over traditional education because they can learn in a way that seemingly makes sense.
How to Get In
NeoCity Academy is a choice school, so students must apply. Open to Osceola County students; seating is limited.
The school examines students’ previous grades and test scores, though it also takes interest in STEM into account. It’s not only for students with the highest grades, however. The objective is to identify curious, hardworking students.
Families can attend info nights or sign up for tours. Applications generally open in the fall.
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Who Should Consider NeoCity Academy?
This school is best for students who like to ask questions, take things apart and make things. If you like computers or science labs or figuring things out, maybe you’ll feel at home here.
But it’s not for everyone. Some students also crave more structure, and maybe even a classroom model. PBL is for the patient and persistent. It may be hard at the beginning, but you’ll find many students like it when they become used to it.
The NeoCity Community
But NeoCity Academy’s strongest part is that it has strong connections with the tech community around it. The school is near to research labs and businesses owned by NeoCity tech park. This varies that students have possibilities to meet leading scientists, touring labs, and also to have internships. Teachers invite guest speakers to class and use real-world problems in class projects. Their task is to help students understand that what they’re learning will result in a real career. Parents are also a part of this community. Parents are informed through events and meetings and also regularly updated.
Success After Graduation
A lot of the graduates at NeoCity Academy move on to six engineering, computer science or health sciences programs in college. Some have already taken college courses while in the high school, through partnerships with local colleges. With the school’s emphasis on STEM and hands-on learning, students can develop a strong resume well before their high school years are over. That can get them a lot of mileage on their college applications when they’re ready to make an impact.
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Final Thoughts
NeoCity Academy is a different kind of public school. Real-world learning, student autonomy, and the future in science and technology are what it is all about. This is not the best school; rather, it is another school that students take a chance on. If you’re a student or parent in Osceola County looking for a novel school approach to high school, NeoCity Academy could be worth your time.
FAQs
What is NeoCity Academy?
NeoCity Academy is based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics public high school in Kissimmee, Florida.
Is NeoCity Academy a private school?
NeoCity Academy is a public school. It’s free for the students who live in Osceola County (though you do have to apply and be chosen by a lottery).
Do we have to wear uniforms?
Yes, students are required to wear school-approved uniforms.
What kinds of students do you think would fit in well at your school?
The majority of students at NeoCity adore science, technology, building and solving things. Nor are NeoCity students invariably self-starting.
What about sports or clubs?
Absolutely. NeoCity does not have its sports teams, but you can participate in sports teams at your home school. It also still has clubs to provide students like robotics, coding and more.
Can we get college credit?
Yes, students can take courses that count for both high school and college with nearby colleges, so they already have credits when they leave.
How do I apply?
The Osceola School District’s school choice process. You can find dates and information on their website in the fall.