Spring 2027 opportunities include digital illustration, video editing, dance and music; new dual enrollment applicants face a December 1 deadline.
For a Cypress Creek High School student interested in making videos, drawing digitally or performing music, the next step could also count toward college. The school is encouraging eligible students to explore spring dual enrollment through Pasco-Hernando State College, including arts courses at the nearby Instructional Performing Arts Center.
Dual enrollment allows students to earn college credit while still working toward their high school diploma. PHSC describes the program as an opportunity to earn free college or technical credits, giving families a way to reduce future education costs.
Cypress Creek’s announcement highlights a partnership involving its Conservatory of the Arts. Students should begin with their school counselor to confirm eligibility and identify courses that fit their academic plans.
What students could study
The school’s spring 2027 flyer lists courses at the iPAC including Digital Illustration, Basic Video Editing, Ballet I, Music Appreciation, Class Guitar I and Theatre Appreciation.
The center is located at 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel, next to the Cypress Creek school campuses.
The list gives families options to discuss with a counselor. It should not be treated as confirmation that every course is appropriate or available for every applicant.
December 1 is the application deadline
Pasco County Schools specifies that students new to PHSC dual enrollment must submit their online application by December 1, 2026, with qualifying test scores obtained beforehand. Returning PHSC dual enrollment students do not need to submit another application.
Applying to the program and registering for individual classes are separate steps.
PHSC’s spring calendar opens online registration for dual enrollment seniors on November 16, juniors on November 17, sophomores on November 18 and freshmen on November 19. Students should follow the district’s registration worksheet and their counselor’s instructions for the steps required before their registration date.
Eligibility and scheduling matter
The district lists a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and qualifying placement scores among the requirements for standard college-credit dual enrollment. Additional requirements apply, and students must complete the online dual enrollment orientation.
Courses cannot conflict with the student’s high school schedule. Families should discuss workload, course prerequisites and how the credits fit graduation plans before selecting classes.
There is also a scheduling detail to clarify: the school’s arts flyer lists both full-term and shorter C-term dates, while the district’s spring guidance says dual enrollment students may take only full-term Spring Term II courses. Students should have their counselor confirm the eligibility of each specific section before registering.
How to get started
- First step: Schedule an appointment with the Cypress Creek school counselor.
- New-applicant deadline: December 1, 2026.
- Application portal: https://apply.phsc.edu/apply/
- Full spring term: January 11–May 3, 2027.
- School contact: 813-346-4400.
Bring questions about test scores, course choices, materials and transportation to the appointment. Starting now gives families time to resolve eligibility and scheduling questions before the application deadline.
