This means that all schools throughout Florida must now provide focused areas of study. And with the change in policy this high school has a new plan along with a new name. It will now be known as the "Professional Academies Magnet at Loften."

Loften High School has long been known for the variety of courses they offer, and students have made the most of them, like classes in horticulture. One senior, Tim Kasper, who chose Loften for it's computer classes has made the most of horticulture as well. "It's always been a side hobby, kind of a way to off set the not-aliveness of computers," says Kaspers.

Now that the state says every freshman this year will have to declare a major, the goal is to increase graduation rates and get students to think about career paths early in their education. Teacher on special assignment on Career and Technical Education, Shannon Ritter says,
the state's mandate has to benefits,"A little better in the legislation this time are things are spelled out really emphasize industry certification, so that students leave high school industry certified," Ritter explained.

Principal Chet Sanders says,"Every student who attends the professional academies will be associated with one of those small learning communities."

Seniors can now measure the effects of concentrated study, and have their own opinions on having a major in high school. "If they don't plan on going into it at least they have the experience of having something to fall back on," says Kasper.

Senior Brittany Brown says when she first started taking the class in horticulture she didn't like flowers, but now has a new attitude. "Since I was hands on with them now, I'm beginning to like plants and i'd like to be a florist so i can grow my own plants and make profits."

While the policy is a positive thing for enterprising students, schools must now find a way to adapt their programs and teachers to the policy.

Loften will build on classes that already exist, so classes in computers will now become a part of the Academy of Information Technology, where students will continue to get practical experience through internships. "I took this class because i knew that it would help me further my study in computers," says Justin Meetoo.

One freshman, Abraham Al-Rahji, sees a practical aspect to having a major in high school, "then it would be much easier to change what I want to so and it won't cost as much money."

One more way to prepare for college.

By Stacey Samuel, WCJB TV20 News