Mission Statement

All students entering into Port St. Lucie High School’s Freshman Academy will achieve sophomore status, establish ownership of personal and academic goals and demonstrate proficiency in all required standards.

About the Jaguar Preparatory Academy (JPA)

Freshmen enter JPA sharing a team of teachers in English, math, science, H.O.P.E. and freshman seminar. This team of teachers is dedicated to making sure each Freshman is successful in their first experience in high school. JPA provides a comprehensive program which nurtures students to become critical thinkers, decision-makers, academic achievers, and responsible citizens. Instruction is driven by data collected through strategic assessment. The academy will meet the needs of students by identifying individual learning styles in order to foster an environment that ensures all incoming freshmen achieve sophomore status by the end of their first year, and that students are well on their way to achieving college readiness standards.

Students belong to a team of teachers for:

  • English I, Pre-IB English I, or AP English Comp
  • Math (Liberal Arts, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and beyond, with Honors option)
  • Environmental Science, Pre-IB Biology
  • HOPE/Physical Education
  • Freshman Seminar
  • AP Human Geography (Optional)

English Courses

English classes focus on writing and technical reading skills – the foundation for further academic growth and development on the path to graduation. Pre-IB English is for higher-level students who want a challenge to prepare them for IB or Dual Enrollment later.

Sciences

Ninth graders will study the environmental science.  Students who are looking for a more challenging course, are planning to enter the IB biology course, or go into dual enrollment will need to take a year of Pre-IB Biology.

HOPE/Physical Education

The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance healthy behaviors that influence lifestyle choices and student health and fitness. Students will combine the learning of principles and background information in a classroom setting with physical application of the knowledge. A majority of class time should be spent in physical activity. This is a Florida requirement for graduation.

Advanced Placement Human Geography

Freshmen with strong literacy and study skills, who are looking to attend a 4 year college might consider this AP course studying human geography. The content will include regions, population studies, cultural concepts and spatial representation, political geography, land use, urbanization, issues related to space, place, and scale, and economic geography. (Optional– requires teacher recommendation.)

Freshman Seminar

Freshman Seminar students learn all about high school options and programs. They receive curriculum in social emotional learning, time management, conflict negotiation, note-taking and career exploration. Students explore colleges and career majors.