College & Career Counseling
Preparing Our Students for Their Futures
For too long effective college and career counseling has only been available to families who could afford to send their children to expensive private/independent schools or to hire independent educational consultants.
At Optima Academy Online (OAO), we believe every ambitious young person should have access to quality college and career counseling, guidance, and support. To that end, we are launching a first-of-its-kind College Counseling Program for OAO students Fall 2024.
What Our College & Career Counseling Program Provides
Students enrolled in this program will learn the value of higher education and how to conduct research on colleges and the myriad opportunities they offer. They will learn the key metrics they should use to evaluate schools and programs they are considering, how to best position themselves for success when they are ready to apply, and the ins and outs of the ever-changing college application process. Students will even get a handle on the cost of college and how families can approach the college funding process most effectively.
At the conclusion of the course students will be conversant on the higher education landscape for themselves and be equipped to take the critical next steps toward their futures. Students must be full time (6 courses) to enroll in Optima Academy Online’s College Counseling Program. Enrolled students will have 1:1 support with our college and career advisor. Students do not need to enroll in dual enrollment or dual credit to enroll in our College & Career Counseling Program.
Understand how to evaluate schools and programs
Refine writing for application & essay requirements
Understand the cost of continuing education
Learn to find relevant scholarships and grants
Meet Our Program Director
College & Career Counseling Program Director, Malika Lindsay, has worked as a College Admissions Officer, a College Counselor in Independent & Charter Schools, and as an Independent Educational Consultant.
She’s overseen over 1,000 students complete the college search, application, and selection process. Under her leadership students have applied to 370 different colleges and universities in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and 6 different countries. They have earned scholarships from and chosen to matriculate to some of the most prestigious schools and programs in the world.
Malika Lindsay is a proud member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling & the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling.
Explore Our Dual Enrollment Options
Eligible students residing in the state of Florida in grades 10-12 can dual enroll at Florida SouthWestern State College for free, earning up to 96 college credits while completing their high school degree.
This full-time program allows students to complete an Associates Degree while still in high school
Students can choose to take FSW courses online or on an FSW campus. Florida SouthernWestern State College offers 25 associate degrees, 6 bachelor’s degrees and 29 career-oriented certificate programs. Click here to learn more.
Explore Our Dual Credit Options
Florida offers a unique opportunity for high school students called Dual Credit. Unlike Dual Enrollment, which requires full-time college attendance and in-state residency, Dual Credit allows students to take individual college courses and earn credits that can transfer to colleges both in and out of Florida. It’s a flexible way to get a head start on college while still in high school.
Optima Academy Online has partnered with two universities to bring dual credit courses to our students. Students in 10th grade and above who meet academic requirements may earn dual credits through SouthEastern University or Mississippi State University. Click here to learn more.
Ready to Learn More?
Click below to register for a Parent Information Meeting or apply for the 2024-2025 school year! If you have any specific questions, please reach out to OAO-Admissions@OptimaEd.com or call (239)-471-4533 today.