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Programs of Distinction

A group of young people, both men and women, dressed in formal attire, standing in front of a building with a classical architectural style.

 

Orangewood’s Programs of Distinction are a study series that consists of electives where students have the opportunity to gain applied knowledge and practical experience in focused academic areas. Students can focus their electives in the areas of Health & Law.

Orangewood Law

The Orangewood Law program was established in 2021 to provide students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of US law and government. The program is designed to enhance the learning experience through field trips, guest speakers, and the opportunity to apply classroom learning through competitive teams. The program consists of competition teams, classes, field trips, guest speakers, and membership opportunities to the Florida Law and Honor Society of Secondary Schools.

students looking off camera in a courtroom

 

Classes & Honor Society

Class electives included as part of the Orangewood Law Program of Distinction include the following:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Debate 1 & 2
  • Debate Honors 3 & 4
  • Forensic Science
  • Introduction to Legal Studies
  • Legal Studies
  • Mock Trial
  • Speech 1 & 2

Students who are in the junior or senior class and completed three semesters of law classes with a 3.5 GPA or higher are eligible for membership in the Florida High School Law Honor Society of Secondary Schools. 

students standing in a courthouse

 

Teams & Competitions

Orangewood Law competition teams include the Mock Trial Team, Debate Team, and Moot Court Team. The Mock Trial team competes annually at FSU’s Sunshine State Showdown and in the Florida High School Mock Trial State Competition Series. The Debate Team participates in the North Florida Catholic Forensics League. The Moot Court Team competes in the Florida Bar High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition

students writing in a courtroom

 

Field Trips & Guest Speakers

As part of the Orangewood Law Program of Distinction, students engage with legal professionals both in the classroom and through educational field trips. Guest speakers have included law enforcement officers, family law attorneys, criminal prosecutors and defense attorneys, corporate counsel, and appellate attorneys.

Students also participate in hands-on learning through site visits. Each year, they attend the Orlando Chapter of the Federal Bar Association’s Civil Discourse Program at the U.S. Federal Courthouse. They have also visited the Orange County Courthouse to observe FAMU Law School’s Mock Trial presentation and traveled to the University of Florida to meet with the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, where they learn about the wide range of legal matters managed by a large university.