Q: How do I apply to the Academy of Entrepreneurship?
A: Complete the application ONLINE and submit within district guidelines. A completed application includes: online application, with identification of Entrepreneurship as a "choice" and response to essay indicating something you are passionate about or motivated by. Preference will be given to students that rank AOE #1.
Q: Where can I get an application?
A: Applications are available on the district website. Students/parents can go to the Application page the documents are listed at the top of the screen.
Q: What criteria are used to determine a qualified candidate for acceptance?
A: Minimum 2.5 GPA (unweighted) in grades 6-8; no grades of “F.”
No Level I or Level II discipline referrals.
An expressed interest in Entrepreneurship or Business Management.
Good attendance record—absences beyond the State policy limits are not acceptable.
Teacher recommendation from an academic teacher.
Q: What are the criteria for admittance for students not zoned to Buchholz?
A: Students not zoned for Buchholz must meet the same criteria and the same application process as students who are zoned for Buchholz.
Q: Is transportation provided for students who are not zoned for Buchholz?
A: Yes. Transportation for this Academy is provided via satellite stops (usually at the student's zoned high school).
Q: Are there any special deadlines students should know about when applying?
A: The District deadlines for application to all Career Magnet and Choice programs will be decided by District office personnel. 2022-2023 date TBD. Applications must be submitted online by that date.
Q: Will all applicants be notified of their application status?
A: Yes, all applicants will be notified by email regarding whether or not they have been accepted. Those notices will be emailed on the date determined by the District.
Q: Once I am in the Academy, are there requirements to remain in the program?
A: Yes
All students must maintain an unweighted 2.5 cumulative GPA; have no grade lower than a C in entrepreneurship classes, and no “F” in any course. Grades are monitored each nine weeks. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the student being placed on probation.
Students are required to make a commitment to take one entrepreneurship course each of the four years. Out-of-zone students quitting the program, even as a senior, will return to the home school. For students coming to Buchholz with a zoning waiver, Dual Enrollment is not an option unless the student also completes an Academy course each year.
Q: Can I apply to both academy programs at Buchholz High Schools?
A: Applicants are strongly discouraged from applying to both Academy of Entrepreneurship and the Academy of Finance. You need to decide which program interests you the most and matches your career goals.
Q: What if I receive acceptances from more than one academy/choice program in the county?
A: Students are expected to decide on their preference before accepting an offer. Students may only accept one magnet or choice program—students appearing as accepted on more than one list submitted to the district will be denied access to any magnet/choice program and will remain at their zoned school.
Q: As an Academy student, can I enroll in honors or AP courses, and participate in sports, band, etc?
A: Yes, the majority of students enrolled in Entrepreneurship participate in sports, band, or other activities and also register for honors and AP courses (based on teacher recommendation). The Academy is not a school within a school.
Q: Are their financial obligations connected with the Academy of Entrepreneurship?
A: All Academy students are asked to pay Fair Share of $75 each year. This pays DECA dues (international, state, district, and local), provides a polo and a t-shirt, and covers a variety of student activities. Fundraising opportunities are available for students who wish to raise the money for their Fair Share.
Q: As an Academy student, can I enroll in the Dual Enrollment program?
A: Students in the Academy have made a commitment to complete the four-year Entrepreneurship program, and those courses are not offered at Santa Fe College or the University of Florida. Therefore, students wishing to participate in Dual Enrollment will still need to be involved in the Academy. Seniors have a choice of entrepreneurship classes—either Marketing Cooperative Directed Study (School-based Enterprise) or Marketing On-the-Job Training (OJT). Dual enrolled students usually take Marketing OJT which means they are employed at a local business where they work at least 5 hours per week. This counts as an Entrepreneurship credit. Juniors are required to take the Business Ownership class at Buchholz; dual enrolled students will be able to take this course at Buchholz during first period and then travel to the college for their remaining classes. First period ends at 9:20, so students should schedule their first college class to begin at 10:00 or later.
Q: Is there an opportunity for eighth grade students to shadow at Buchholz?
A: Shadowing days for eighth grade students are scheduled to start in late October and continue through early February. Interested students should call Ms.Sonny Jenkins in the Guidance Office at (352) 955-6702 (Ext 308) to schedule a specific shadowing date.
Q: To whom may I speak if I need further information?
A: You may email Wendy Rosche at roschewl@gm.sbac.edu