• Overview of Programs

    Learn more about AP Capstone, AICE, Early College, and IB by watching the informational presentation below. (The presentation is 24 minutes in length.)

     

    2023-2024 HSAP Overview and Application Information Presentation

     

    Questions

    After viewing the presentation, if you have questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page and you may also email question(s) to hsap@duvalschools.org. We are happy to answer your questions by email or arrange a time to speak with you virtually or by phone.

     

    Questions and Answer Information Sessions

    Q & A Information Sessions will be held on Saturday, October 22nd for students that meet three of the four minimum requirements for consideration:

    • enrolled in our already completed Algebra I,
    • on grade level for reading, and
    • on grade level for math.

    Students that meet these three of the four minimum eligibility requirements for consideration were sent an email invitation with a specific time to attend the Q & A Information Session based on the middle school in which the student attends. If the students’ parent/guardian has an email address listed in Focus, they were also sent an invitation to attend with a meeting invitation to attend with a meeting link. These sessions are ~ 45 minutes.

     

    Application Window

    The 2023-2024 High School Acceleration Program application may be completed through the Focus Parent Portal Account beginning Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 8:00 AM and will close at 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2023. 

     

    Parents that do not have a Focus Parent Portal Account may create an account by visiting Technology Services and then follow the directions for creating an account. Parents will use their email address and create their own password. Once an account has been created, parents will need to visit their student's middle school within 21 days and present ID for the middle school to approve their Focus Parent Portal account or provide their ID electronically to a school administrator and request approval.

     

    Parents that have forgotten their password, have trouble creating a new Focus Parent Portal Account, or experience technical issues may contact the Help Desk (904) 348-5200 or email pga_support@duvalschools.org. The Help Desk is available Monday – Friday from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM and on Weekends from 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

     

    Once the application opens, parents may access the application by logging into their Focus Parent Portal Account. On the left-hand side select your Grade 8 child. Then select "High School Acceleration Programs Application."

     

    Parents/Guardians should read the application carefully. Review the pre-populated information and verify that their address is correct in Focus. If the address is incorrect, parents may correct the address through their child’s current middle school by providing two proofs of address in person or via email to a school administrator. Address changes cannot be made at the District office.

     

    If your child is not currently enrolled in a Duval County Public School OR is without test scores and/or grades in the Duval County Public School system (Focus), you must provide official copies of your child’s standardized test score reports from Grade 7 (or Grade 8 if unavailable), Final Grade 7 Report Card, and Grade 8 Report Card showing Quarter 1 and 2 grades at the time of application submission. Applications missing information will not be processed. If accepted, non-DCPS students must provide an official transcript once final grades have been posted for the school year.

     

    On the application, parents may make up to two (2) choice selections; however, they may choose to make one (1) selection only. Parents should be sure that if a second selection is made, it is a selection that both the parent and their child will be happy with should they be offered a seat.

     

    Important Dates 

    • Thursday, December 1, 2022: HSAP application opens at 8:00 AM in the Focus Parent Portal
    • Thursday, January 19, 2023:  HSAP application closes at 11:59 PM
    • Monday, February 13, 2023: Decision notifications will be sent to the email address associated with the Focus Parent Portal Account used to complete the application
    • Tuesday, February 21, 2023: Parents who do not wish for their child to participate in the program in which they have been accepted must cancel seat offered by 4:30 PM through their Focus Parent Portal Account.

    How to Apply for New or Returning Students 

    New Students (students who have never been enrolled with DCPS)

    Step 1: Create a Student ID

    Use the link below to create a Student ID. Families will need to provide the following documents during this process. These documents can be uploaded while creating the Student ID or provided to the High School Acceleration Programs Office. 

    • Birth certificate or valid evidence of date of birth
    • Florida certification of immunization or exemption
    • Child’s last report card
    • Proof of guardianship (if applicable)
    • Proof of residency.  For additional information click here.
    • Create Student Identification Number

    Step 2: Create a Parent Guardian FOCUS Account

    Once a Student ID is created, the next step is for the parent or guardian to create a parent account:

    • Be sure to use Google Chrome. However, if you’re on a Mac, you may need to use Safari
    • Follow the on-screen directions to complete the account.
    • Be sure to enter your first and last name, your personal email address, and password when creating the account.
    • Make note of the email address and password you used as it will be used again in the future.

    Note: Only Custodial Parents/Guardians can use the online registration system. If you have any questions or need assistance with Portal or online registration, please contact High School Acceleration Programs via email at hsap@duvalschools.org or by phone (904) 390-2090 Option 2.

    Step 3: Verify your Parent/Guardian FOCUS Account

    After the parent/guardian has created the Parent Account, they will need to verify it. 

    • Go to the email account you used to create your user account and open the email from FIMservice@duvalschools.org. Click on the ‘Email Validation Link.'
    • Your email account must be verified within seven days using the link from the email. If you do not see it, check your clutter or junk file in your email.
    • After the parent/guardian has created the Parent Account, they will need to verify it.
    • Go to the email account you used to create your user account and open the email from FIMservice@duvalschools.org. Click on the ‘Email Validation Link.'
    • Your email account must be verified within seven days using the link from the email. If you do not see it, check your clutter or junk file in your email.
    • You will need to wait 24 hours before Linking your Parent/Guardian account to your student.

    Step 4: Link Parent/Guardian Account to student

    After the account is verified, the parent/guardian will need to link their account to their student. Follow the steps below: 

    • Click here to access the "Link Student" form.
    • Select “Applicant” for the school name. 
    • Put in the requested information for the student. If you have multiple children, you can add each one's information by clicking "Add." 
    • Click “Submit.”

    Returning Students (students who were previously enrolled with DCPS at one time)

    Step 1: Reactivate Student number 

    Contact High School Acceleration Programs at hsap@duvalschools.org. Be sure to include your child's first name, last name, and date of birth. If you have your child's previous DCPS Student ID number, please include it as well.

    Step 2: Create a Parent/Guardian Account (if needed)

    Use the link below to create a Parent Account

    Create a Parent Account

    Step 3: Link Parent/Guardian Account to Student (if needed)

    After the account is verified, the parent/guardian will need to link their account to their student. Follow the steps below:

    • Click here to access the "Link Student" form.
    • Select “Applicant” for the school name. 
    • Put in the requested information for the student. If you have multiple children, you can add each one's information by clicking "Add."
    • Click “Submit.”

     

    Evaluation Criteria

    To be considered for an acceleration program students must meet all of the following criteria. Applicants must 

    • be proficient in Reading based on the Grade 7 FSA, Grade 7 Achieve 3000, or Grade 8 PSAT;
    • be proficient in Math based on the Grade 7 FSA, Grade 7 HMH, or Grade 8 PSAT;
    • be enrolled in or have already completed Algebra I; and 
    • earn a minimum of 70 points.

    Not meeting one of these criteria automatically makes a student ineligible to be considered for an acceleration program. For each program, all eligible applicants will be scored based on the point system below, ranked from 100 points down to 70 points, and offered seats in that order until seats are filled. For nondedicated magnet schools, zoned students will be placed first. 

    Point System

    • 0-36 points – Grade 7 Core Academic Final Grades (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
      • A = 9 pts, B = 6 pts, C = 3 pts
    • 0-34 points – Grade 8 Core Academic Grades (Quarter 1 & 2 English, Math, Science, and Social Studies)
      • A = 4.25 pts, B = 3.25 pts, C = 2.25 pts
    • 0-30 points – Standardize Test Scores in both Reading and Math

     

     

    Transportation

    Transportation for students attending an Acceleration Program outside of their attendance area school shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian. All questions regarding transportation should be directed to the Transportation Department at (904) 858-6200. Transportation is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM.

     

     

    Late Applications

    Late applications will be available through the Parent Focus Portal beginning on Monday, April 17, 2023.

     

    Application Opens

    Application Closes for Processing

    Decision Notifications

    (Sent to Focus Parent Portal Email)

    Monday, April 17, 2023

    Monday, May 15, 2023

    Monday, June 5, 2023

    Tuesday, May 16, 2023

    Thursday, June 15, 2023

    Thursday, July 6, 2023

     

      

    Late Application Seat Availability

    For nondedicated magnet schools, zoned students will be placed first.

     

     

      

    Thank you for considering a High School Acceleration Program!

     

    We wish you and your child a successful educational journey.

     

    Contact Informaton