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New to Florida Credits: Will They Transfer?

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Transfer high school credits Florida — parent guide


Moving to Florida with a high-schooler raises one big question: will previous credits count toward graduation here? This guide explains how transfer high school credits in Florida typically work across public, charter, and private schools, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid schedule or graduation delays.

How credit transfer works in Florida (quick overview)

  • Public & charter schools: The receiving school counselor reviews your student’s official transcript, course descriptions, and any end-of-course (EOC) results, then matches them to Florida graduation requirements.

  • Private schools (like The Barrett School): We evaluate transcripts the same way, but can customize schedules faster and build a clear path to graduation with individualized placement.

Florida’s standard diploma requirements (what credits must map to)

Most students follow the 24-credit standard diploma path. In plain English, schools look to match:

  • English: 4 credits

  • Math: 4 credits (must include Algebra 1 and Geometry)

  • Science: 3 credits (must include Biology; at least one course with lab)

  • Social Studies: 3 credits (World History 1, U.S. History 1, U.S. Gov 0.5, Economics 0.5)

  • Fine/Practical/Performing Arts: 1 credit

  • Physical Education (HOPE): 1 credit

  • Electives: 8 credits

  • Assessments: Grade 10 ELA and Algebra 1 EOC (or approved concordant scores)

  • Online course: At least one course completed online (may be met in several ways)

If your student took equivalent courses elsewhere (e.g., “Integrated Math” for Algebra/Geometry tracks), counselors map those carefully. Bring course descriptions when titles don’t match cleanly.

What usually transfers smoothly

  • Core academics (English, math, science, social studies) from accredited schools

  • World languages with clear level progression

  • AP, Honors, Dual Enrollment with official records (DE needs college transcript)

  • Career/CTE courses with syllabi or competency lists

What needs extra attention

  • Algebra 1 and Geometry equivalents: Titles vary by state/district; bring course outlines.

  • Lab sciences: If the lab isn’t obvious on the transcript, provide a syllabus.

  • International transcripts: Provide certified English translations and grading scale.

  • Homeschool coursework: Provide syllabi, work samples, and assessments to verify rigor.

EOCs, concordant scores, and make-ups

If your student didn’t take Florida’s Algebra 1 EOC or Grade 10 ELA assessment, schools can often use concordant scores (e.g., SAT/ACT sub-scores) or schedule an upcoming test window. Ask the receiving school to review options so graduation isn’t delayed.

Timeline: when to transfer for the least disruption

  • Best windows: end of grading period, winter break, start of a new semester, or right after spring testing.

  • Transfer now if there’s a significant academic mismatch, safety issue, or your student needs programs (STEM, arts, support) the current school can’t provide.

Documents to gather (save this)

  • Official transcript with grading scale

  • Course descriptions/syllabi for math and lab sciences, plus any unusual titles

  • Testing: EOCs, SAT/ACT, AP scores; Dual Enrollment college transcript

  • Immunization/health records (Florida forms if possible)

  • Any 504/IEP or accommodation letters

Scheduling: building a clean Florida schedule

Ask the counselor to show you how transferred credits slot into:

  • Required core areas still needed

  • Remaining electives

  • Planned EOC or concordant-score pathways

  • Online course requirement status

  • Graduation GPA check (2.0 minimum)

Private school transfers (Barrett specifics)

At The Barrett School (Destin) we:

  • Audit transcripts quickly and map to graduation on day one

  • Place students using recent performance and counselor review

  • Offer small classes and STEM + age-appropriate AI across subjects

  • Support mid-year transfers with a defined first-30-days onboarding

Parent scripts (copy/paste)

Email your old school (records):“Hello, we’re transferring to a Florida high school. Please send the official transcript, grading scale, course descriptions for math/lab sciences, all test scores (EOC/SAT/ACT/AP), and any 504/IEP documentation to: [new school email]. Thank you.”

Ask the new counselor (placement):“Can you show how transferred credits apply to Florida’s 24-credit plan, which EOCs or concordant scores we still need, and what our semester schedule will look like?”

FAQ

Will all my teen’s credits transfer 1:1? Usually most do. Edge cases are Algebra/Geometry naming, lab verification, and out-of-state civics sequences.

Do dual enrollment credits count? Yes, with an official college transcript. They may satisfy core or elective slots.

What if we’re missing an EOC? Schools will schedule a test window or use approved concordant scores when eligible.

Next steps

  • Send transcripts early and include syllabi for math/science.

  • Confirm remaining requirements and test plans in writing.

  • Align start dates to a grading period or break when possible.

Barrett links to move fast:

 
 
 

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