New tuition-free alternative charter high school opens in Osceola County
Vineland Lakes High School is the newest tuition-free public school in Osceola County.
Though still preparing to move into a new building in the coming weeks, the school is already providing students with a different way to graduate.
“My heart and soul are happy not just to be in Osceola County, but just overall, because I know that the work that we do has so much value. It has so much impact on the communities, on parents and students, and on the schools that we work with,” said Dr. Tiana Coleman, principal of Vineland Lakes High School.
The school works with Second Mile, an organization that helps districts create accelerated learning programs for students who need extra support to finish high school. The organization already has schools in Orange, Brevard and Seminole counties.
“What we really do is help those students who need to catch up on credits so that they can achieve their goal of graduation,” Coleman explained.
Vineland Lakes offers individualized courses in core subjects like math, science, English and social studies. It also provides career and technical education options, including culinary arts, a certified nursing assistant program and construction.
“We know their stories. We know their first name and their last name. We know where they’re coming from, and any little other tidbits that may be needed in order to help them be successful,” Coleman said.
Certified teachers like Destiny Francois help students learn and grow.
“You’re allowed to wear many hats. So we’re allowed to be the doctor, the counselor, the teacher, the pastor, everything,” she said. “You know, a lot of these kids kind of have a hard life, and we just want to show them that you, too, can be successful, you too can be educated and succeed in life.”
Otto Rivera, 17, is a soon-to-be success story. After falling behind in ninth grade, he enrolled in a Second Mile school in a nearby county and just transferred to Vineland Lakes.
“My plan is to graduate in December,” he said.
Rivera encourages other students who have fallen behind to consider this alternative path.
“I fell behind too, and now that I’ve come here, I’m on the right path and even further than what I’m supposed to be.”
As more than 20% of Osceola students are enrolled in ESOL programs, Vineland Lakes offers extra resources for non-native English speakers to support their academic and social success.
“With our curriculum, it can be translated into over 36 languages,” Coleman explained.
The school also offers a flexible schedule with morning and afternoon sessions so students can balance school with work or family responsibilities.
Vineland Lakes High School offers rolling enrollment, meaning families can sign up their children at any time. The school also offers assistance with transportation. For more information, visit their website.
Stephanie Rodriguez
Stephanie joined News 6 as a general assignment reporter in October 2024.