Not all schools are created equal

Often times, when a Buyer is relocating or an "in-town" customer wants to move, schools are a hot topic they question their agent about. Because not all schools are created equal, Buyers often seek the guidance of their Agent based on their family needs.

Just recently, I was invited to participate in a "Realtor Tour," which was sponsored by the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and SunTrust Bank.

At first, I was skeptical about whether spending half a day on a bus would be the best use of my time. But, after making our first stop at Seminole High School, I quickly realized that this type of event was not only important, but critical in enhancing my knowledge of the local school system in Seminole County.

While on this "Realtor Tour" I was reminded that not only were all schools not created equal, but there are some schools within our "system" that have a lot more to offer students who have certain aspirations in life than other schools offer.

Take Seminole High School for example. Seminole High School, which is in Sanford, Florida, has an "Academy of Health Careers" program for those students who wish to enter the medical field. On our tour, we visited the newly renovated school, which has two gyms, a full-blown hospital ward and a new auditorium. Nestled in an area that has been challenged demographically and financially for the past 30+ years, the Seminole County School Board has devoted more than $60M in renovation funds.

And boy, did they put that money to good use. I was thoroughly impressed with not only the campus (which seemed like a small college) but I was equally enamored with the quality of programs they offered.

At Seminole High, the Academy of Health Careers offers a comprehensive program of rigorous classes that include advanced placement classes, dual enrollment courses, hands-on learning and job shadowing.

As a matter of fact, students in this program (which is in partnership with Seminole Community College) have an opportunity to learn the skills needed to obtain their EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certifications. They even have an ambulance on site that students use to get on-the-spot training in.

The program at Seminole High School is the only one of its kind in the County and according to their interest list, there is high demand...

And why not? With the aging of the baby boomer population, it's important that we continue to have enough people who are interested in obtaining medical careers in the future!

Seminole High School is what is classified as a "magnet school" which means that any student who resides in the County is eligible to attend. 

Simply put, if you live in Seminole County, your child can gain admission rights. Once admitted, transportation is even provided! Wow, another impressive facet of this fine program!

So, if you are considering a move to Florida and have a child who you think would benefit from a magnet school that offers the type of unique programming that Seminole High School has to offer, I'd love to help you find the right school for your family...and of course, the right house too!

As a previous educator and a parent myself, I've made it a point to learn more about the programming offerings of all of the "magnet schools" in Seminole County and would be happy to share this knowledge with you!

Servicing Buyers and Sellers in Lake Mary, Sanford, Winter Springs, Winter Garden, Windermere, Winter Park, Oviedo, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, College Park and Downtown Orlando, LaShawn Norden is the Central Florida native you need!