Hi there

We have recently moved from the UK to St Petersburg Florida on an E2 Visa. We have our x2 Children with us who are 16 and 18. The plan was for our 16 year old to attend High School and gain a high school diploma. He completed his GCSE in June which we explained to the school in January when we visited the school to enquire about Tobias starting.
However shock and horror, after completing all of the paperwork and set the start date for today. Tobias has been sent home by the school saying that he has already graduated as has GCSE's. Technically I understand what they are saying but the education system is different and either way he HAS to by law be in education. Im at a loss what to do as we can't afford to pay for anything privately. Helpful constructive guidance would be appreciated.

I suggest you contact the local BOE (Board of Education). The details should be in the phone book (or try searching online).

Explain what happened and get written confirmation of their answer.

Looks like 16-year-olds do not have to attend school by Florida law:

Attendance and Enrollment

This was asked in another thread the other day and gives some information for you.
IB Schools

have you tried the local charter schools? It looks like St Petersburg has a couple, if they are not totally full they may be more accommodating.

Otherwise, you need to contact the local community college about college credit classes ( AP is a college credit course)

I had a quick look and here are a couple of companies specialising in education placement for new arrivals

https://www.schoolchoiceintl.com/

http://schoolplacement.com/

This recently came up in another thread.

However - in Florida he does not have to be in school once he has reached the age of 16.

If he does have an equivalent to a Florida diploma - there is nothing that you can do. He can't enroll anywhere.

Next step would be early admissions for university, community college, or employment.

Community College might be an option. He can take the "core" requirements for a US university degree at a community college and these credits will transfer to his 4-year university degree program when they are settled and ready to start that path. They can also, if so desired, pick up an "associates" degree (2-years) in a vocational trade skill at a community college, anything from veternarian's assistant to police officer to auto repair, etc. which is also something worth having even if they do plan to go to a US univeristy for a four year bachelor's degree.

Community college is CONSIDERABLY cheaper than 4-year university, and getting some of those classes "out of the way" means they'll start their 4 year degree program already a year or so into the game.

https://www.spcollege.edu/

Straight from the horses mouth, we're just south of you in Bradenton.

He needs to go see an advisor at a community college, they should be able to advise on doing two years of an AA degree. Coomunity college will have more experience of international students and know how to the get the best bang for your buck.
Technically he could do dual enrollment or AP at high school but it sounds like Pinellas county don't want the hassle, my good lady seems to think it wouldn't have been an issue in Manatee County.

I agree, talk to your local Community college adviser.
Our local one here in Tallahassee has a great 2+2 program. 2 years at the community college clearing the basic university requirements for an associate degree. Then acceptance at Florida State University for the last 2 years of a university degree.

Hi ppod. I posted in the other thread mentioned above. We're in a similar situation for next year but looking at the international baccalaureate as that's the equivalent of a levels. Did you end up enrolling tobias into community college? If so, how is he finding it? Are there other students his age there? Is there much of a social side? How much are the fees and is there a choice of courses that aren't vocational? Sorry for all the questions but you sound like you're on exactly the same path that we'll be on next year. Really struggling to find definitive answers. (Also looking to get the e2 so would love to pick your brains about that too, if possible!!)
​​​TIA

Hi ppod, just spotted your duplicate post.
Re this quote "Has anybody here on this forum had their child accepted into high school AFTER completing their GCSE at age 16. In particular I’m looking for Florida..."

Florida high schools are obligated to take students to graduating with a high school diploma, no further. Despite finishing two years earlier the GCSE's are considered to be the equivalent of a high school diploma, therefore there is no requirement for any county to take a student with GCSE's for the Junior and Senior years as they are already considered to have graduated with the US equivalent.

As an aside, you could do worse than try drowning your sorrows at Avid brewery.

Luckily our PA school district did NOT consider GCSE's to be sufficient for our elder son to graduate high school, so he was able to do junior and senior year here in the USA before heading back to the UK for university. They only gave him high school credits for the two calendar years that he would have been at high school for and because he had no documented PE he had to earn all those credits and his public service hours as well as adding to the credits he was able to be awarded on the basis of his GCSE grades. Maybe you could look very carefully at the HS graduation requirements and find an area that your son has not completed?