Finish high school with bachelor's degree? At one school, yes

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Aya Tal-mason's excitement as she describes her research on cancer-fighting drugs rivals her schoolmate Paige Fries' audible enthusiasm about her recently published science-fiction novel.

Fellow student Hannah Herbst recently visited President Barack Obama to explain the inexpensive generator she designed that uses plastic spoons and the hydropower of streams to charge cellphones, giving remote villagers a link to the outside world.

Not bad for a bunch of high-school kids.

The teens attend Florida Atlantic University High School, which education officials believe is the nation's only school where all students can earn their high-school diploma and bachelor's degree simultaneously.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals knows of no similar program.

In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, Hannah Herbst, smiles after an interview at Florida Atlantic University High School, in Boca Raton, Fla. Herbst recently visited President Barack Obama to explain the inexpensive generator she designed that uses plastic spoons and the hydropower of streams to charge cellphones, giving remote villagers a link to the outside world. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

About eight of each year's graduating class of 130 accomplish the dual-degree feat, and nearly 100 percent graduate college by 19, about the time most university students are learning their town's best pizza joints. More than half enter graduate or professional school.

Perhaps the best part: tuition and textbooks are free.

"When I was in high school, a lot of my friends would ask me, 'Why would you want to accelerate? Don't you want to move away from home and do the college experience?'" said Mahalia Sanon, 18, a recent FAU High grad who's about to earn her pre-pharmacy bachelor's degree. "Now that they see I am about to graduate with no debt, they are envious."

About 700 eighth-graders apply annually to FAU High, and 140 are accepted based on their grades, their score on a college-entrance exam and recommendations. The state funds the school's $3.8 million budget, while students pay an annual $500 university activity fee.

FAU assistant dean Joel Herbst, who oversees the program for the 30,000-student university, said prospective students and parents are warned about the dedication needed to succeed at the school. Most students spend hours daily studying or doing research and still participate in sports or extracurricular activities.

In this photo taken Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, ninth grade math teacher Agnes Timar, left, explains a math lesson to students during class, at Florida Atlantic University High School, Boca Raton, Fla. At tuition-free Florida Atlantic University High School, all students can simultaneously earn their high school diploma and bachelor’s degree. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

"If your heart is not in this, you are not going to last," said Herbst, who is Hannah Herbst's father.

Ninth-graders are mostly sequestered in the FAU High building, a block of classrooms at the university's edge. One recent day, they were completing work top-level juniors and seniors do at typical high schools.

But the most important courses, the students and administrators agree, are symposiums on managing time and acting like a mature college student.

Starting in 10th grade, the teens study mostly at the university -- taking classes alongside students who might be a decade older -- and receive dual high-school and college credits.

They don't get special treatment. In fact, they are told not to stand out except for excellent course work. Some try to hide their age; others don't.

"I won't lie about it. I am in an academic fraternity, and everyone knows I am 17. It didn't change any friendships, and I think professors actually respect you a little more because they know how hard you have worked to get here," said Ashley Amian, a high-school senior and college junior majoring in political science who plans to be a lawyer.

FAU High students participate in all university activities except intercollegiate athletics. Some join the orchestra; others appear in plays. One got elected to student government.

The high school's athletic program has the usual sports except football (don't want these prized brains getting concussed, Herbst said), baseball and softball (not enough interest).

The high school also has homecoming, prom, talent shows and video-game nights.