Sandalwood High School in Duval County is leading the charge in ensuring students and families are equipped to navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Through a year-round, multi-faceted approach, the school has created a strong culture of financial aid awareness, access, and action. To honor these efforts, Sandalwood High was recognized during the Talent Strong Florida Summit by the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) as the 2025 FAFSA Trailblazer.
Sandalwood School Counselors during their annual Postsecondary Signing Day.
Sandalwood’s FAFSA-focused efforts begin early in the school year, with school counselors delivering classroom lessons to all seniors, covering graduation requirements and financial aid basics. These lessons set the foundation for more personalized one-on-one meetings, where each student’s academic status and postsecondary steps—including FAFSA completion—are reviewed in depth.
Understanding that financial aid is often a family decision, Sandalwood hosts several targeted events to support FAFSA completion:
- Financial Aid Night brings a college financial aid representative on campus to guide families through the FAFSA process. After the presentation, families participate in a live FAFSA workshop with hands-on assistance. Colleges and universities are also present to answer questions and build connections.
- BEACON (Bringing Economic & Career Opportunities Nearer) is another key initiative where seniors receive in-school support completing the FAFSA and Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA). Volunteers assist students during the school day, making financial aid more accessible and less intimidating.
- Senior Parent Night, held early in the fall semester, includes a dedicated segment on financial aid, ensuring parents are informed and empowered to support their student’s FAFSA completion.
- Friday Counselor Corner offers ongoing, weekly assistance during all student lunches. Counselors are available every Friday to help students with FAFSA and FFAA applications, scholarship searches, and other postsecondary tasks.
The Sandalwood School Counseling Department showing their college pride during Jax Goes to College Week.
- During Jax/Sandalwood Goes to College Week, FAFSA awareness takes center stage. The week includes financial aid-themed activities and announcements, reinforcing the importance of FAFSA completion while promoting the Jacksonville NACAC College Fair.
- On Instant Decision Day, visiting colleges not only admit students on the spot but also assist them with FAFSA and scholarship applications—removing barriers and creating opportunities for immediate progress.
Sandalwood’s commitment extends beyond seniors. As an AVID school, financial aid literacy is embedded into the curriculum, and FAFSA support is integrated into AVID instruction. Additionally, parent nights for all grade levels include financial aid information to help families prepare early. The area is also served by the local community coalition, Earn Up.
By offering various resources and building community partnerships, Sandalwood High School has created a model FAFSA support system—one that ensures all students succeed in the pursuit of postsecondary opportunity.
Congratulations to FCAN’s 2025 FAFSA Trailblazer!