South Seminole Academy

Think CTE is just about jumping straight into the workforce? Think again! 📚 CTE opens doors to both college and career success.

Studies confirm that CTE participants are just as likely to pursue a four-year degree as their peers—and they’re often even more successful at navigating two-year college programs. With CTE, you don’t have to choose between a degree and a career. You can have both! 🎓✨

Our South Seminole Academy campers were busy developing, building, and creating today! Students worked together on their grade-level KiwiCo kits, exploring everything from sketch boards, to irrigation systems, to zipper pulls, to tripods. Along the way, they shared ideas, made new friends, and discovered how much fun learning can be when creativity and teamwork come together.

Summer camp at South Seminole Academy is officially underway!
Our campers had an amazing first day exploring all across campus. Students learned line dancing in PE, created in the Maker Lab with 3D printing, explored augmented reality with zSpace, unboxed and prepped materials for their own KiwiCo projects, and enjoyed lunch with new friends.
It was a full day of hands-on learning, creativity, and connection — the perfect start to camp!

Looking for a competitive edge after graduation? 💼 Whether it’s landing that first job or boosting earning potential, CTE makes a difference.

Data shows that CTE graduates are more likely to be employed after high school, and many see a significant increase in their annual earnings compared to peers. Start building the foundation for your future career today with hands-on training that pays off! At SSA it's never too early to start! 🚀

THANK YOU Chef Ju’von for making a difference to our students through your service on SSA’s CTE (Career & Technical Education) Advisory Board!

Chef Ju’von is the owner and executive chef of Chef Ju’von’s Personal Chef Services and Elevated Eats by Chef Ju’von, two culinary brands specializing in catering, private chef services, brunch experiences, special events, and community-centered culinary experiences. He’s honored to have served a wide range of clients, from private families and local organizations to major events and celebrity clientele — bringing people together and creating memorable experiences through flavor, presentation, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.

Chef Ju’von believes that CTE gives students opportunities to discover their gifts, develop practical skills, gain confidence for their future, and get career exposure. He says, “I believe the impact is powerful because CTE programs help bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. Students are able to learn skills that can immediately prepare them for careers, business ownership, and leadership opportunities. When industry partners get involved, students are able to hear firsthand what it takes to work in a field, run a business, serve people well, and operate with professionalism.

For me, the impact is about more than cooking. It is about discipline, presentation, communication, responsibility, creativity, and confidence. Those are skills students can carry with them for the rest of their lives. When students are exposed to people who believe in them, it can plant a seed that grows into purpose. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one opportunity, or one person showing up to help a student see what is possible.”

To find out more about serving on the SSA CTE Advisory board, contact Griselle Figueroa at [email protected]

Did you know that Career and Technical Education (CTE) can be a game-changer for high school success? 🎓 Research shows that students who participate in high-quality CTE programs are 7 to 10 percentage points more likely to graduate on time!

CTE provides real-world skills that keep students engaged, motivated, and on the path to their diploma. Want to see your student thrive? Explore the CTE pathways at SSA and make a plan for the SCPS high school that is a perfect fit for you!

THANK YOU Cathy Swerdlow for your valuable impact to SSA students and community. We appreciate you serving on SSA’s CTE (Career & Technical Education) Advisory Board!
Cathy Swerdlow is the President of the League of Women Voters of Seminole County (LWV Seminole), founded in 1966. Recognizing a surge in population growth in the county, the newly-formed league became aware of lopsided, inadequate funding for many of the school district’s existing schools and a desperate need for new schools in the area. So, the League threw itself behind a $10.3 million bond issue to build seven new elementary schools, a new high school, a new junior/senior high school, and additions to 14 other schools. It passed 7,492 to 2,833 on May 7, 1968, when the organization was only two years old. LWV Seminole is widely credited with the referendum’s success and their involvement in supporting public education has remained consistent throughout the years.
LWV Seminole is part of the nonpartisan national organization of the League of Women Voters. Members stay up to date on local, state, and national issues, working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.
Cathy says, “The League believes public education is fundamental to our democratic republic. We need our citizens to be motivated and empowered to vote and engage in their community. By participating on the CTE Advisory Board, I hope to be able to bring that awareness to all aspects of a student's education. Acknowledging the power of each individual's voice encourages voter engagement which leads to a lifetime of voting.” She adds, “The League was proud to support South Seminole Academy in securing the grant that has led to the amazing work being done at this school. We are happy to continue that support through participation on the Advisory Board.”
To find out more about serving on the SSA CTE Advisory board, contact Griselle Figueroa [email protected]

Ever wonder what the Hurricane Shake is? This competition has been at SSA for over a decade! Check out our latest blog post and learn all about the Hurricane Shake! www.ssa.scps.k12.fl.us (scroll down to the news at the bottom of the homepage).

Thank you PTSA for all that you've done this school year! Here are some pictures from the PTSA Awards Celebration and exam incentives treats.