CHS - Veterinary Animal Science and Services Magnet

Student throughout Orange County who are interested in animal production and services have an opportunity to attend Colonial High’s Veterinary Animal Science and Services Magnet program. Last year the Colonial High School program was one of the top ranked programs for Florida. Students have traveled to trade shows and competitions throughout the United States.

This program is designed to prepare students for employment or advanced training in the veterinary and animal science and services industry. The program focuses on broad transferable skills and stress understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the animal science industry: planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health and safety and environmental issues.

Classroom, shop and animal laboratory activities are an integral part of this program, including the safe use and care of animal health-care instruments, animal grooming equipment, basic tools, animal retraining equipment, and field equipment. This program works with both small animals from reptiles, canine and feline as well as marine animals and large animals including horses and cattle.

In addition, students have the opportunity for Cooperative Education during the summer or 7th period. This part of the program affords the students an opportunity work with industry workers and leaders in the community. Students have worked in veterinary offices, stables, Sea World, wildlife sanctuaries in Geneva and Christmas, Audubon Society in Maitland, Jungle Adventures in Christmas and Gatorland in Kissimmee, Central Florida Zoo in Sanford. Students have also developed their entrepreneurial skills by starting their own business, breeding and raising stock, marketing and selling reptiles, birds and large and small animals.

In addition to the core academic courses, the curriculum includes:

9th grade: Agriscience Foundations I 1 credit (elective)
Business Systems Technology 1 credit (elective)
Biology I (Honors) 1 credit (science)
10th grade: Animal Science Services II 1 credit (elective)
Chemistry (Honors) 1 credit (science)
11th grade: Animal Science Services III 1 credit (elective)
Physics (Honors) 1 credit (science)
12th grade: Animal Science Services IV 1 credit (elective)
Anatomy and Physiology 1 credit (science)

Entrance Requirements:

• Live in Orange County
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Minimum of 5 on the Stanford Achievement Test in Reading
• Attendance Record Review
• Discipline Record Review
• OCPS Student Magnet Application (website)
• Student Performance Contract
• Essay
• Academic Involvement Report
• Four Evaluations

There are advantages to being in the Colonial High School Veterinary Animal Science and Services Magnet!!!

College Credit and Scholarship Eligibility:

As a program completer students may receive St. Petersburg Community College credits and become eligible for scholarships including the Florida Gold Seal Scholarship.

Professional Affiliation:

The American Veterinary Medical Association – School Membership and Individual student memberships available

Educational Field Trips:

American Kennel Dog Shows
Animal Related Competitions
University of Florida Veterinary Schools
University of Florida Herpetological School
Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo
Bush Gardens Zoological Tour
Sea World Behind The Scenes Tour
Gecko Breeding Farm in Ocala

Internships Available:

College Veterinary students have internships that require between 3500 to 7000 hours. High School Internships are available during the summer, and during the school year during 7th period and after school. The experience and hours from high school internships that are documented can be used when apply to Veterinary school.