By Susan R. Wenner
Herald Publisher/Editor
Excitement is in the air as Seminole Science Charter School (SSCS) students, teachers, staff and parents are witnessing the beginning of the construction on a campus expansion.
“We’re excited to enter a new chapter of welcoming students into an environment that encourages both curiosity and innovation,” said Heather Wence, Principal of Seminole Science Charter School. “This project allows us to provide a reliable support system and offer expert guidance to teenagers as they transition into higher education.”
The school is a tuition-free school, offering a hands-on STEM education. Although SSCS currently enrolls students from kindergarten to grade 8, this expansion will allow the administration to expand that reach to 9th and 10th graders beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year.
According to a recent press release, this fall crews started on the first phase of this project at 3580 N. US Hwy. 17-92 in Lake Mary as SSCS looks to put hundreds of more students on a proven path to Ivy League universities and promising careers. SSCS is part of the Orlando Science Schools (OSS) system, which has five campuses across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
“Seminole Science Charter School has provided a diverse group of students with an engaging learning experience for a decade,” said Mr. Yunus Aksu, CEO of Orlando Science Schools. “By choosing to grow our Seminole County campus and further invest in our community, we’re continuing to open new doors for parents who are eager for an education that expands beyond the classroom and helps their children achieve long-term success.”
The release also added that SSCS plans to add an additional grade level every year. Incoming high schoolers will benefit from a research-based curriculum alongside enriching programs, such as Advanced Placement Academy, PLTW Engineering Program, PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program, Dual Enrollment Program, Competitive teams/clubs such as VEX EXP/V5 and FIRST FTC/FRC Robotics, Science Olympiads, Competitive math groups, Athletic Teams and more.
Ramona Lataille, the Science and Gifted Resource Teacher at Seminole Science Charter School shared, “The expansion represents a significant commitment to advancing a rigorous, high-quality STEM education for students throughout Seminole County, ensuring a commitment to innovative learning opportunities and resources for the 21st century STEM careers.”
For more information on submitting a student application for SSCS, visit SeminoleScience.org.