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Early College Programs

Criminal Justice Early College Academy

Empower Your Future: Discover our Criminal Justice Early College Academy Program

The Criminal Justice Early College Academy is a four-year program at Mount Dora High School that allows students to explore careers in Criminal Justice through hands-on activities and early exposure to college courses. Students earn credits toward an AA degree, with courses offered at Mount Dora High School, online, and on LSSC campuses. The program begins in 9th grade and includes Criminal Justice Summits and Early College Day participation. Credits are transferable to all state colleges and universities in Florida. Partnerships include DirectConnect to UCF® and K-12 articulation.

The image is divided into two sections. The top section shows four students walking together outdoors, carrying books and backpacks. The bottom section shows a student sitting at a desk in a library, working on a laptop.

Overview

The Criminal Justice Early College Academy is a specialized program at Mount Dora High School that gives students an opportunity to explore careers in Criminal Justice through hands-on activities and early exposure to college courses while still in high school. This is a four-year program, and students will take college credit courses towards an AA degree while engaging in various experiential learning activities.

Program Highlights

  • In-Demand Careers: Prepare for a variety of criminal justice career paths with a curriculum designed to meet industry needs.
  • Early College Opportunities: The CJAC Program offers eligible 9th-grade students a four-year track to earn college credit while in high school.
  • Credit Transfer: Earn credits that seamlessly transfer to all state colleges and universities in Florida, including Lake-Sumter State College and UCF.
  • Engaging Experiences: Participate in Criminal Justice Summits and Early College Day events to connect with professionals and explore career options.
  • Focused Career Path: High school courses align with the criminal justice track, allowing students to earn college credit while gaining valuable knowledge and skills.
  • Local Partnerships: DirectConnect to UCF®, K-12 articulation.
  • Lakehawk Journey: Any College Credit Certificate not exceeding 24 credit hours may be used to satisfy elective credits.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Almost all courses are offered at Mount Dora High School, online, and on campus in Leesburg.

Program Length

4 years (2 years of college coursework).

Program Cost

Tuition is 100% free.

Learn More

Outcomes

Students completing this program can continue their studies at Lake Sumter State College to obtain their Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice or continue on to UCF to obtain their degree in Criminal Justice. Students earning their AA degree can continue with one of Lake Sumter’s Associate of Science programs or Bachelor’s degree programs. Earning their AA degree qualifies for Direct Connect to UCF or applies these credits to any Florida State College or University.

 

Grade Semester Year Courses
9th Fall 2024-2025 HS English 1
HS Math
HS Biology
HS Criminal Justice 1
Spring HS English 1
HS Math
HS Biology
HS Criminal Justice 1
HS Hope credit (Fall only)
HS Elective (Fall & Spring)
Career Exploration Summits throughout year
10th Fall 2025-2026 HS English 2
HS Math
HS Science
Spring HS English 2
HS Math
HS Science
HS World History
HS Personal Finance (Fall) / SLS 1122 (Spring)
HS Criminal Justice 2 (CCJ 1020) (Fall & Spring)
PERT Prep Summits through year
11th Fall 2026-2027 ENC 1101
MAT 1033 or MGF 1100
Spring ENC 1102
MAC 1105 or MGF 1130
CJE 1002 (Fall) / CCJ 2600 (Spring)
BSC 1010c (Fall) / AMH 2020 (Spring)
HS Criminal Justice 3 (CCJ 1001) (Fall & Spring)
12th Fall 2027-2028 STA 2023
POS 2041
Spring SPC 2608
AMH 2010
CJC 1000 (Fall) / ECO 2013 (Spring)
AST 1002 or CHM 1025c (Fall) / Elective (Spring)
Completion of General Studies Associate’s Degree

Currently enrolled at Mount Dora High School

Entering grade 9

3.0 unweighted high school GPA

Academic college readiness as demonstrated through scores on a common placement test will be required by the end of the first year of program

Application Process

01

Review Admission Requirements

02

Talk to your counselor about your interest

03

Submit application and required documents

04

Follow instructions in acceptance letter

Enrolling at LSSC is quick and easy. Get Started Now!

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Over 8,600

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Student To Faculty Ratio

30+

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