The next school year is quickly approaching even though it may not seem like it.

Some students like sophomore Kelsy Levee and sophomore Nicole Hazlett have been thinking about next year already and have even taken their education for the upcoming year into their own hands.

For upcoming juniors a choice can be made that will impact their high school and college education.  Students entering grade 11 in Pinellas County public schools, private or home-education programs are allowed to apply to the early college program. There is no cost for application, tuition, courses or textbooks.

“My favorite part about the program is the fact that we get two free years of college,” Hazlett said.

To apply to the program the interested sophomore had to take the PERT test, in which they had to receive a passing score, turn in a copy of their transcripts, and fill out an application.

The letters of acceptance were sent out in the mail to the applicants on February 15th.

“I couldn’t have been more excited to receive that heavenly letter, my postman was honestly God. I can’t wait to start next year with more freedom, and my own schedule,” Levee said.