Lee County dual enrollment options are expanding through a new partnership between The School District of Lee County and the University of Florida.
The district and UF announced an articulation agreement that gives qualified juniors and seniors in the district’s 15 high schools the only opportunity in Southwest Florida to register for dual-enrollment courses through UF.
According to the announcement, 68 students have already signed up to begin classes in August.
The program offers families another way for students to earn college credits while still in high school. For families comparing education options across Collier and Lee Counties, this partnership adds a new university pathway in Southwest Florida.
Where is the new UF dual enrollment program available?
The new Lee County dual enrollment agreement applies to qualified students attending one of The School District of Lee County’s 15 high schools.
Through the partnership, eligible high school juniors and seniors can register for dual-enrollment courses through the University of Florida.
The courses are fully online undergraduate courses taught directly by University of Florida faculty.
Students who complete UF dual enrollment courses can earn credits that fulfill requirements at UF. The announcement also states that earned credits can transfer to other public and private postsecondary institutions nationwide at their discretion.
Families should understand that transfer decisions are made by the receiving institution. Your child’s school counselor can help explain how credits may fit into graduation planning and future college goals.
The district says this agreement expands the dual enrollment opportunities already available to students through Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, and Barry University.
Who can qualify for Lee County dual enrollment through UF?
To qualify for the UF Dual Enrollment program, students must maintain a minimum 3.6 cumulative unweighted high school GPA.
Students also must meet competitive standardized test score thresholds on the SAT, ACT, or CLT exams.
The announcement describes the program as an option for eligible high school juniors and seniors. It does not list additional eligibility details, deadlines, or course-by-course requirements.
Dr. Nathan Shaker, Chief Academic Officer for The School District of Lee County, said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with the University of Florida to offer our students a direct pipeline to one of the nation’s top public research universities,”
He added, “This agreement aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing diverse, rigorous, and competitive pathways that prepare our students for global success. Our students are more than ready to meet the challenge of UF’s top-tier curriculum.”
Families should check directly with their student’s school for application steps, testing requirements, and course selection support.
What courses and benefits does the UF partnership offer students?
Through UF Dual Enrollment, eligible students can choose from a catalog of fully online undergraduate courses.
The announcement says the courses are taught by University of Florida faculty and are designed to provide rigorous college-level learning.
For participating families, the UF courses will be provided at no cost. That can represent financial savings on future postsecondary education.
Key details for parents include:
- Courses are fully online.
- Courses are undergraduate-level UF classes.
- Courses are taught by University of Florida faculty.
- Participating families pay no cost for the UF courses.
- Credits fulfill requirements at UF.
- Credits may transfer to other institutions at their discretion.
Nico Rose, Assistant Provost and Senior Director for Teaching and Technology at the University of Florida, said, “We are excited to welcome Lee County to UF Dual Enrollment as we continue expanding opportunities for students across the state, from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle,”
Rose added, “By connecting high school students with rigorous, innovative UF courses, this partnership contributes to the future talent pipeline for our state by supporting college readiness and strengthening pathways to higher education.”
Next step: Talk with your child about whether online college coursework matches their schedule, study habits, and goals.
How can parents get more information or prepare their student?
Families interested in Lee County dual enrollment through UF should start with their student’s high school.
A counselor can help families understand whether the student meets the GPA and testing requirements listed in the announcement.
Before asking about the program, parents may want to gather:
- Your child’s current grade level.
- Your child’s cumulative unweighted GPA.
- Any SAT, ACT, or CLT score information.
- Your child’s current high school course schedule.
- Questions about how online UF courses may affect graduation planning.
Families can also contact the district media relations office listed in the announcement for more information.
For more information, contact Riley Kempton, Assistant Director, Media Relations and Public Information, at 239-461-8420 or RileyK@leeschools.net.
Next step: Contact your student’s high school and ask about UF Dual Enrollment registration, eligibility, and available courses.