What is ESOL?

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. The ESOL program in Orange County Public Schools is designed to improve the language proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Students can access grade-level curriculum, qualified teachers, and all school services.

How does my student qualify for ESOL?

According to the Florida state rule 6A-6.0902, it starts with the home language survey when you enroll your student during registration. A parent/guardian answered “yes” to any of the three home language survey questions:

1. Is a language other than English used in the home?
2. Does the student have a first language other than English?
3. Does the student most frequently speak a language other than English?

Answering "Yes" to one or more of the home language survey questions will require your student to be screened for English language proficiency.

Why do we at Freedom High School call your student ‘Emerging Bilinguals’?

At Freedom High School, we view our students whose native language is not English as an asset to our school community. Your student comes with a culture, history, skills, and experiences that will enrich and strengthen our school environment and add value to the content they are learning in their classes.

Support for Students:

Emerging Bilingual Student Academy (ESOL Tutoring)

• Learn and practice speaking English
• Homework Help--Assistance with class assignments, late/missing work, and assignment revisions

When: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 2:30-3:30 pm (Transportation is not provided.)

Where: Freedom High School Media Center

Support for Families:

Emerging Bilingual Family Academy (MPLC)

• Monthly parent information sessions to learn how the education system works in the United States, how to support your student’s learning at Freedom High School to stay on track for graduation, and information on post-secondary options. Other topics are covered as well and will be posted on the flyer that is sent out to families to promote the event.

When: Typically, the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00-7:00 pm.

Where: Freedom High School Media Center

Questions?

Please contact Ms. Yadira Lopez Nieves, ESOL Compliance Specialist, at yadira.lopeznieves@ocps.net.

The Academy of Early Childhood Education is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in Education or working in the child care industry. The academy offers students a rigorous and relevant curriculum, hands-on training, and opportunities for earning state certifications, the Early Childhood Professional Certificate, as well as scholarships and college credit. The academy students will work with the children on campus at Freedom Friends Preschool, local daycares, elementary and middle schools. The program consists of 120 hours of classroom instruction and 480 hours of direct work with children.

Program Plan

Incoming freshman need to register for the 2024-2025 school year. Current Freedom students completing Child Development will be recommended and registered in the program.

Academy Requirements

• Students must complete a Tech Prep Program plan for Early Childhood Education.

• Students must complete a background screening, register as a school volunteer through OCPS, and complete an affidavit of good moral character.

• Students must register, complete, and pass the certification exams for 45 hours of mandated training to complete the program. (This training will be taught in ECE 1 and may be revisited throughout the four year program.)

• Students must have records of good attendance and behavior history.

• Students are encouraged to join the Family, Community, and Career Leaders of America. (A vocational education nationally affiliated student organization.)

• Students must create and maintain a Professional Resource File throughout the program.

• Students must receive teacher recommendations each year to continue in the program of study.

Program of Study

9th grade - Early Childhood Education 1 -1.0 Credit:

The students will complete a course of study in the rules and regulations governing child care, child growth and development, health, safety and nutrition, learning environments, observation and screening methods, and developmentally appropriate practice for young children. The curriculum will address communication skills, appropriate methods of guidance, planning, establishing and implementing emergent reading, writing, and language activities with children.

10th grade - Early Childhood Education 2 – 1.0 Credit:

The students will participate in basic curriculum development and interact with children as they plan, implement and evaluate learning activities with the preschoolers enrolled in “Freedom Friends Preschool” (our on-campus learning center.) The students will acquire competence in developing and teaching activities for young children. The curriculum will address professionalism, community needs and resources, career opportunities, interpersonal skills, communication, leadership and organizational skills.

11th grade - Early Childhood Education 3 – 1.0 Credit:

The students will develop, demonstrate and guide the physical, cognitive, creative and social/emotional development activities of children from infants to school age. Students will acquire competence in the areas of childhood development theories, literacy, and classroom management. They will apply their knowledge of program elements needed to create a successful developmentally appropriate curriculum and environment.

12th grade - Early Childhood Education 4 – 1.0 Credit:

The students will acquire competence in the areas of mentoring and team building, advocacy, current trends and issues in early childhood education, inclusion of children with special needs, and professional development.

Required electives: Child Development - Recommended electives: Family Dynamics, Food and Nutrition

For more information about this program, email Ms. Melanie.Smith@ocps.net 

PLTW Engineering Academy

The PLTW Pathway To Engineering (PTE) program is a sequence of courses, which follows a proven hands-on, real-world, problem-solving approach to learning.  Throughout the program, students learn and apply the design process, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency and develop organizational, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.  PTE is intended for students grade nine through twelve and the courses complement traditional mathematics and science classes and can serve as the foundation for STEM-centered or specialized academies. PTE is designed to prepare students to pursue a post-secondary education and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-related fields. 

Program Requirements/Benefits

The Engineering Academy is by application only.  Completed applications must include recommendation forms from current mathematics and science teachers.  A typical candidate for this program has already completed Algebra 1 Honors, earned a level 3 or above on the FAST Reading and has a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0. Students who complete the program will have earned Honors weighted credit in five courses.  Students will also have the opportunity to seek Industry Certification in Fusion 360. Members of the academy who excel in their studies are invited to join the National Technical Honors Society which recognizes outstanding student achievement in career and technical courses. 

Course Descriptions 

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

In this course, students use 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. This course is designed for 9th or 10th grade students. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.

Digital Electronics (DE)

This course is the study of electronic circuits that are used to process and control digital signals. Digital electronics is the foundation of all modern electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, digital cameras and high-definition televisions. The major focus of the DE course is to expose students to the process of combinational and sequential logic design, teamwork, communication methods, engineering standards and technical documentation.

Principles of Engineering (POE)

This survey course of engineering exposes students to some of the major concepts they’ll encounter in a postsecondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers and to develop skills and understanding of course concepts. Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to peers and members of the professional community.

Aerospace Engineering (AE)

The major focus of this course is to expose students to the world of aeronautics, flight and engineering through the fields of aeronautics, aerospace engineering and related areas of study. Lessons engage students in engineering design problems related to aerospace information systems, astronautics, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, space life sciences, the biology of space science, principles of aeronautics, structures and materials, and systems engineering. Students work in teams utilizing hands-on activities, projects and problems and are exposed to various situations faced by aerospace engineers. In addition, students use 3D design software to help design solutions to proposed problems. Students design intelligent vehicles to learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.

Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)

The major focus of this course is completing long-term projects that involve the development of property sites. As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of a property. The course provides teachers and students freedom to develop the property as a simulation or for students to model the experiences that civil engineers and architects face. Students work in teams, exploring hands-on activities and projects to learn the characteristics of civil engineering and architecture. In addition, students use 3D design software to help them design solutions to solve major course projects. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture.

Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

This capstone course allows students to design a solution to a technical problem of their choosing. They have the chance to eliminate one of the "Don't you hate it when" statements of the world. This is an engineering research course in which students will work in teams to research, design, test and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem. The product development life cycle and a design process are used to guide and help the team to reach a solution to the problem. The team presents and defends their solution to a panel of outside reviewers at the conclusion of the course. The EDD course allows students to apply all the skills and knowledge learned in previous Project Lead The Way courses. The use of 3D design software helps students design solutions to the problem their team has chosen. This course also engages students in time management and teamwork skills, a valuable set for students in the future. This course is designed for 12th grade students.

Application

To apply for the Engineering Academy, please click on the links below. 

Application

Teacher Recommendations

Contact 

For more information or questions, please contact:

Mr. Michael Hellmund
Michael.Hellmund@ocps.net

AVID is a program designed to prepare students who have not previously succeeded in a college preparatory path for admission to universities and colleges. It is an elective class that students attend daily. Students will enroll in college preparatory courses and the AVID elective class. In the AVID class, students are taught the needed skills for success and tutored in collaborative working groups with mentors. In the AVID elective class student are taught study skills, Cornell note taking, time management, writing, reading, and research skills. Students also learn about colleges and universities (especially the application and financial aid processes) and prepare for college admission tests such as the SAT or ACT. Students are encouraged to explore occupations through research, curriculum, and guest speakers.

Students need to apply and interview to be accepted to this program.

Who may participate?

• Students with GPA 2.0-3.5

• Score a high level 2 or 3 on FCAT reading and math

• No attendance or discipline problems

• Are willing to commit themselves to a minimum of two hours of homework each night

• Are willing to commit to enrollment of a rigorous college preparatory sequence of courses.

• Student with a desire to attend four year college

• Possibly the first member of the family to attend college

• Must be a voluntary decision by the student, NOT the parent

• Must complete an application, participate in an oral interview, and attend an informational meeting

AVID requirements

• Must make a 3 year commitment of enrolling in the AVID class

• Participate in collaborative groups, tutorials, field trips, and motivational activities

• Maintain satisfactory citizenship and attendance in all classes

• Maintain the AVID binder with assignment/grade record sheets and daily notes in all classes

• Maintain GPA of 2.0 or higher

• Take rigorous classes (to include honor and AP as applicable)

What does an AVID class look like?

Mondays and Wednesdays focus on the AVID curriculum.

• Writing for all classes Developing success strategies

• Developing communication skills (oral and written)

• Preparing for professional careers

• Developing reading skills

Tuesdays and Thursdays include

• tutorial sessions with peer, college, and

• teacher tutors

• Learning with college tutor

• Learning with peers/mentors

Friday

• Field trips, guest speakers, collaborative activities geared toward curriculum and college experiences.

• Visiting college campuses

• Interacting with guest speakers

• Applying for college

• Practice for standardized test

AVID is part of the High School major “Integrated Academic Focus”
For more information about this program, email Ms. Erin.Brown@ocps.net 

CTE Programs Freedom High School (9-12)

• Biomedical Sciences (Project Lead the Way)
• Culinary Arts
• Digital Video Technology
• Early Childhood Education
• Engineering Pathways (Project Lead the Way)
• Entrepreneurship
• Horticulture
  

Sophomores & Juniors

• Do you have at least a 2.0 unweighted GPA
• Are you currently on track for graduation

Are you ready to get a free jump start on your desired career?

Orange Technical College Dual Enrollment May Be the Perfect Choice for You!
Check out the dual enrollment program chart
 

Seniors
Are you interested in exploring tech school opportunities available to you after high school?

Click This Form For More Information

Dwana Dye
 Career Specialist - Freedom High School
 Career and Technical Education
407-816-5600 ext. 6082358
Dwana.Dye@ocps.net

Claim Valencia Credits
Are you enrolled at Valencia College and did you earn free Valencia credit in one of your CTE classes? Click on the link below to complete the Valencia form to claim those free credits.

Get Your Credits | Career Pathways | Valencia College

The Academy of Mass Media allows students to specialize in Journalism and TV Production. These two areas work together to produce various communication mediums-the school newspaper, school yearbook, and school TV channel. Keeping the school and community informed of the great things happening at Freedom High School through print and electronic media is the major goal of this academy.

Freedom offers many Advanced Placement Classes.  All of our AP instructors, class content, and syllabus have been approved by the College Board.

AP Classes offered:

AP Capstone

AP Seminar

AP Research

Arts

AP Art History

AP Music Theory

AP Studio Art 2-D Design

AP Studio Art 3-D Design

AP Studio Art Drawing

English

AP English Language & Composition

AP English Literature & Composition

History & Social Sciences

AP European History

AP Human Geography

AP Macroeconomics

AP Microeconomics

AP Psychology

AP United States Government & Politics

AP United States History

AP World History

STEM

AP Biology

AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC

AP Chemistry

AP Computer Science A

AP Environmental Science

AP Physics 1 

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Statistics

AP Computer Science Principles

World Languages & Cultures

AP French Language and Culture 

AP Spanish Language and Culture

AP Spanish Literature and Culture

The business program provides courses that prepare students for future education and careers in marketing, sales, and service. These courses cover essential technical knowledge and skills, including practical learning experiences. Upon completion of the program, students acquire valuable skills for entrepreneurship, management, and business ownership. The program comprises three main courses: Principles of Entrepreneurship, Business Management and Law, and Business Ownership. Career Ready Practices are progressively taught and reinforced as students advance through the program.

Business Courses and Progression

Principles of Entrepreneurship: Introduces students to entrepreneurship concepts.

Business Management and Law: Covers essential business skills.

Business Ownership: Focuses on practical knowledge needed to start and run a business.

Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to earn an Entrepreneurship and Small Business Industry Certification

PROGRAM OF STUDY

CULINARY ARTS 1

This course covers the history of the food service industry and careers in that industry. Also covered are safety in the workplace, employability skills, leadership/teamwork skills, care and use of commercial culinary equipment, basic food science, basic nutrition, following recipes in food preparation labs, and how to become a Certified Professional Food  Manager.

CULINARY ARTS 2

In this course students will learn state mandated guidelines for the food service industry, how to attain a food managers certification, and perform front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house duties. Students will prepare quality food products and present them creatively, demonstrate safe and sanitary work procedures, understand food science principles related to cooking and baking, and utilize nutrition concepts when planning meals/menus.

CULINARY ARTS 3

In this course the student will research career opportunities in professional cooking/baking, follow guidelines on food selection, purchasing, and storage, and effective communication skills. Students will prepare and present a variety of advanced food products, create centerpieces, and research laws specific to the hospitality industry. Also covered are management skills, how to develop a business plan, and utilization of technology in the workplace. Students will be knowledgeable about food safety manager training/certification programs that are acceptable in Florida.

CULINARY ARTS 4

This course provides opportunities for students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in culinary related scenarios. This is a culminating course to develop advanced culinary techniques and skills. Students will learn using modern technology and culinary trends.

Articulation Agreement with Valencia

Complete Culinary Arts 1 and 2     Pass industry certification   Receive 3 credits for: Food Service Sanitation Management

Complete Culinary Arts 2 and 3 Pass industry certification Receive 3 credits for: Quantity Food Production 1

Opportunities

Competitions

Scholarships

Internships

Employment Connections

Cooking Club

Field Trips and Guest Speakers

College Credits

Food Manager Certification (ServSafe and NRFSP)

Catering

Dual Enrollment

The Compass Scholar Academy

The Freedom High School Compass Scholar Academy is a comprehensive college preparation program that strives to produce high achieving students who are competitive with students of other college preparation programs across the country. Compass Scholar Academy students take rigorous AP courses and seek to earn the AP Capstone Diploma. Students are provided with highly qualified instructors, leadership opportunities, and the flexibility that they need to be successful in both their academics and extracurricular activities.  
 

COMPASS SCHOLAR ACADEMY
2026-2027 APPLICATION (Available in Dec.)

Submit the application by December 31st for early enrollment. All other applications are due March 1st. 

Contacts:

Mrs. Kristina Thompson

Mr. Colby Beck

Mrs. Caroline Jarmusch

Assistant Principal Ms. Maria Aguado Caliari
 

Important Information for Compass Scholar Academy Students

 Course Progression 

 For all other information including the following, please see the Compass Scholar Canvas Page 

-Compass Scholar Expectations Contract

In the 21st century of high-tech multimedia venues, writing still remains the major avenue for communicating ideas and information. In order to prepare students for the future, all students in OCPS are given writing opportunities within all content areas at all grade levels.  Our vision for writing includes the following:

• Writing is an integral part of learning.
• Teachers must model writing-to-learn practices within instruction.
• The writing process remains the most successful vehicle for writing.
• Writing instruction must go beyond formulaic writing.
• Students benefit when they write for real-world situations that have personal connections.
• Teachers must incorporate technology into the students' writing experiences. 
• All schools must embed solid writing practices into their literacy cultures.

OCPS curriculum follows the state adopted Florida Standards in English Language Arts.

OCPS Mathematics curriculum provides a comprehensive and coherent set of goals for all students. The curriculum is in alignment with the Florida Standards, adopted in 2014, and provides an outline for what each student should know and be able to do.

Our belief is that ALL children can learn mathematics, and we will ensure that all students have the opportunity to do so. The Orange County Mathematics Team will work to support schools in their efforts to provide rich, rigorous mathematics instruction to all students and ensure that all students throughout our diverse district have equal access to a quality education.

The Performing Arts Department is composed of several different programs, including Band, Chorus, Colorguard (Winterguard), Drama (Stagecraft), Guitar, Orchestra, and Piano.  The department shares the same philosophy: Giving students artistic experiences in an non-competitive atmosphere. Freedom Performing Arts prides itself on providing high levels of performance for advanced students as well as offering arts experience to those with little or no previous exposure

The arts are a universal language and a fundamental form of expressive communication.  In OCPS, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to develop their own innate creativity and learn to respect the creative expressions of others. OCPS Arts students are provided quality, sequential, standards-based instruction in Dance, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts to develop in them the 21st Century Skills necessary for jobs of the future.

Physical education is an important component of the educational school day.  Current brain research supports the importance of physical activity during school to promote learning. Research also shows that children and adolescents who are physically active grow into healthier adults.  The outcome of a physical education program that is developmentally and instructionally appropriate is a student with the knowledge to lead a healthy and active lifestyle for their lifetime.

Physical Education in Orange County Public Schools is designed to give students the opportunity to learn through a comprehensive sequentially planned program using the Florida Standards as a guide.

     "Physical education shall consist of physical activities of at least a moderate intensity level and for a duration sufficient to provide a significant health benefit to students"
-State Statute 1003.455(1).

     H.O.P.E. (Health Opportunities through Physical Education) is a required high school physical education course.  The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance healthy behaviors that influence lifestyle choices and student health and fitness. Students realize the full benefit of this course as it is taught with an integrated approach to health and physical education.

    Health and physical education topics identified in the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards include, but are not limited to:

• Mental/emotional/social health

• Physical activity

• Components of physical fitness

• Nutrition and wellness planning

• Communicable and noncommunicable diseases and disorders, including STDs and HIV

• Health advocacy

• First aid/CPR

• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention

• Human sexuality education including sexual abstinence and teen pregnancy prevention

• Internet safety

• Dating violence and abuse prevention 

     Physical education plays a critical role in educating the whole student with Psychomotor, Cognitive and Affective benefits.  Physical activity is like "Miracle-Grow for the brain" states John Ratey.  Physical education doesn't make students learn, but it gives them an advantage to learn. Students also learn how to live an active and healthy lifestyle, recognize and model responsible behaviors, and develop or enhance life values.

It is the goal of the Science Curriculum Department to see that all students are able to learn the skills and strategies of proficient problem-solvers and scientifically literate citizens. We strive to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

OCPS science curriculum is rich in both science content and process. The content framework in science enables students to acquire understanding of the world around them. This framework includes concepts, principles, facts, laws, and theories which comprise the body of scientific knowledge.

Science process skills are lifelong learning processes that can be applied to any subject for understanding and explanation. These processes include: observing, classifying, measuring, comparing and contrasting, communicating, predicting, hypothesizing, inferring, identifying and manipulating variables, interpreting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

It is the goal of the Social Studies division that all students will acquire the habits of mind needed to become reflective and responsible citizens of our nation and world.

The courses taught in Orange County are designed to encourage active learning among our students so that the students will:

• Understand the significance of the past and its influence on the present.
• Be mindful of both change and continuity in our lives.
• Appreciate the challenges and opportunities created by an increasingly interdependent global community.
• Recognize the personal character traits of people who have made a difference in history.
• Read various types of information while learning to ask appropriate questions to distinguish fact from opinion.
• Research information using a variety of sources and effectively communicate findings.

The OCPS Social Studies curriculum follows FLDOE Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in Social Studies including embedded Florida Standards (formerly known as the Common Core Standards) for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.

The Business Academy gives students an opportunity to take elective classes that could possibly give them skills to take into the workplace, or prepare them for other educational opportunities like Dual Enrollment or post-high school technical education.  The Business Academy offers courses in Drafting & Architecture, Graphic Arts & Design, and TV and Video Production.

The Orange County Public Schools World Languages Department provides students with linguistic experiences in the 5 strands of Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Experiences that will lead towards valuing and developing the ability to express themselves in a second language.

Since language study includes the awareness and appreciation of the customs and culture which they represent, students will gain invaluable understandings and perspectives that will foster positive attitudes about themselves, and others, as speakers of World Languages. These skills will prepare them to live and work in an increasingly multilingual and multicultural world. 

The World Language Department offers different study options to students at Freedom High School:  French, Portuguese, Spanish and Spanish for Spanish-Speakers. We currently offer Advanced Placement courses in French Language, Spanish Language and Spanish Literature.

For students who excel in the study of the language of their choice, the Freedom High World Language Department sponsors Honor Societies for outstanding students of  French and Spanish.  The faculty of the World Language Department are all highly-qualified language experts who are dedicated to sharing their love of their language with all students.

Since the school opened, the Freedom High World Language students and faculty have earned various awards and accolades from the Orange County Foreign Language Association, Le Congrès de la Culture Française en Floride, and the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. 

The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is a globally-minded international diploma program through the University of Cambridge that allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. The AICE program will enable students to tailor their educational experience toward their strengths and qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship. This program is nationally and globally recognized for its merit in preparing students for postsecondary success.

Freedom High School is offering AICE so our students may,

• take classes with other academically motivated students
• be prepared for rigorous college coursework
• have academic and elective flexibility with their course of study
• earn college credit hours while still in high school
• qualify for the Florida Bright Future Scholarship Academic Scholar Award

AICE courses offered for the class of 2024 and 2025 include:

AICE English General Paper- AS Level (9th- ELA 1 Hon)

AICE English Language AS (10th-ELA 2)

AICE Portuguese

AICE Drama

AICE Marine Science AS Level