Stories

Education

From Story to Strategy: Inspiring Growth at Seacoast Collegiate High School

When we first sat down with Seacoast Collegiate High School's leadership, one thing became clear: they had a story worth sharing. We learned that their current classrooms, while filled with dedicated teachers and driven students, were reaching capacity. Their innovative full-time dual enrollment program with Northwest Florida State College—an approach allowing students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously—pushed them beyond their current physical and curricular limits.

At the J.W. Couch Foundation, we believe stories have the power to reshape possibilities and ignite change. When Seacoast asked for our support to help launch a new campaign video, we knew this was about more than just a piece of media. It was about amplifying their vision for a new campus—one explicitly designed for a growing community of learners—and adding new educational pathways to redefine the high school experience.

Campaign Video

By providing a grant to bring their story to life, we're helping Seacoast illustrate to parents, supporters, and the community what an expanded educational environment can mean for their students. From the carefully planned classrooms, labs, and collaboration spaces to a more robust dual-enrollment curriculum, this campaign video isn't just about bricks and mortar. It's about championing a future where high schoolers graduate not only with a diploma but also with significant college credits, ready to dive into higher education or career paths with confidence.

We are proud to help the Seacoast Collegiate High School community share its vision. By continuing to invest in storytelling, we affirm our belief that when passionate educators, forward-thinking plans, and committed supporters come together, they can build more than just a school—they can build a legacy that benefits future generations.

In 2013, Seacoast Collegiate High School was founded to expand the scope and service of the original charter. The ninth grade class from Seaside Neighborhood School became the inaugural freshman class of Seacoast and a grade was added each year until the high school served 9^th through 12^th grades.

A decision had to be made as to whether this new high school’s educational model would be traditional or go in a different direction. Not surprisingly, a different direction was chosen to meet the academic needs of current and future students and prepare them for an ever-increasing competitive market place for college entrance and professional careers. Through research and community input, an educational partnership was formed between Northwest Florida State College and The Seaside School, Inc. to create a collegiate model high school where students could earn college credits in 11^th and 12th grades and have the opportunity to graduate with an associate college degree in addition to a high school diploma.

The next decision to be made was to select a name for the new high school. This task was given to the students of Seaside Neighborhood School (the future students of the high school). The winning name was Seacoast Collegiate High School. Wanting to tie the two campuses together, the first three letters remained the same - SEA. Together, both campuses, promote and recognize that each student can succeed both academically and socially.

In 2016, Seacoast graduated its first class of seniors – each receiving a high school diploma and an associate degree from Northwest Florida State College. The graduating class of 2016 achieved a 100% college acceptance rate.

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