SF's Academy of Science and Technology earns "A" grade

July 9, 2026

The Academy of Science and Technology at Santa Fe College will enter its fourth year with an “A” school grade for the 2025-26 academic year.

The grades are issued by the Florida Department of Education based on the results of the 2026 Spring statewide assessments. 

“This result speaks to the talent and dedication of our faculty,” said Principal Shane Andrew. “It also says something about our students and their commitment to excellence.”

The public charter high school charter was launched in Fall 2023 with its first freshmen class, which will begin its senior year next month. A class was added each year; 2026-27 marks the first year the Academy serves 9th through 12th grades and graduates its first class.

The Academy of Science and Technology provides students with the opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and an associate’s degree or a certificate in a chosen field of study or career track. The Academy occupies customized and dedicated space in the heart of the Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus; students in dual enrollment classes also attend classes across campus.

The school has open access for incoming freshmen, accepting students from across the district. Students attend at no cost. Admission is capped at 75 students per grade.

In addition to the “A” Grade, the Academy earned the following distinctions, among other academic recognition:

Ranked #1 in the Alachua County Public Schools District in:

• English Language Arts achievement
• English Language Arts learning gains 
• English Language Arts learning gains of the lowest 25% of students 
• Mathematics achievement
• Grade 9 Writing (percentage of students scoring 6.0 and above)
• Grade 10 Writing (mean raw score, percentage of students scoring 6.0 and above, and percentage of students scoring 7.0 and above)

The Academy also tied for #1 among Florida STEM collegiate charter high schools in English Language Arts Learning Gains. 

“It really began with the freshmen class,” said Jen Homard, SF Executive Director for Secondary Programs, who helped start the school. “Together, we were opening this new school and it was up to them to set the tone. We couldn’t be more pleased with high standards they set, which has been carried down from class to class.”

Limited Enrollment Opportunities Remain for 26-27

The Academy has a limited number of openings for students entering 9th and 10th grades for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Applications are available at sfcollege.edu/academy. 

For additional information, please contact the Academy at 352-395-4444 or academy@sfcollege.edu.

Employment Opportunity 

The Academy is currently seeking a qualified English Teacher to join its team. Educators who are interested in joining our team and helping students succeed are encouraged to apply at careers.sfcollege.edu. Applications close on Saturday, July 11, 2026.