Florida High School Jumps to 77% College Ready Rate

A Florida high school has nearly tripled the number of students graduating with college-level coursework under their belts, proving that dramatic academic turnarounds are possible with the right approach.

Coconut Creek High School in Broward County now sends 77% of its graduates into the world with college credits or career certifications already earned. Just four years ago, only one in three students achieved that milestone.

The school measures success through Florida's college and career acceleration rate, which tracks graduates who completed at least one college-level or career-focused course during high school. That preparation gives students a head start on both higher education and their future paychecks.

The 2024-25 school year brought particularly dramatic gains. The school jumped 14 percentage points in a single year, making it one of only eight Broward County schools to increase their rate by 10% or more.

Principal Nicole D. Nearor has led the transformation since taking the helm. Under her leadership, the school earned its first-ever "B" grade from the state and saw graduation rates climb from 88.9% to 93.3% in just one year.

The improvements extend beyond test scores. School and city officials credit Nearor with rebuilding trust among families and changing the entire school culture, creating an environment where academic achievement feels possible for every student.

The Ripple Effect

The success at Coconut Creek High reflects a broader trend across Broward County Public Schools. The district's overall college and career acceleration rate jumped to 74%, up five percentage points in one year and 13 points since 2022-23.

That means thousands more students across the county are graduating with tangible skills and credentials that open doors immediately after high school. Some schools, like Atlantic Technical High School in Coconut Creek, achieved a perfect 100% rate, ensuring every single graduate left with advanced coursework completed.

Superintendent Howard Hepburn says the goal goes beyond graduation numbers. The district wants every student walking across the stage to feel confident they have the skills and experiences to succeed in whatever path they choose next.

For communities like Coconut Creek, the transformation means more young people staying local with good jobs or returning after college with valuable skills, creating a cycle of opportunity that strengthens everyone.