Four options for early college education

As spring approaches, senior councilors at local high schools are gearing up for graduation of the 12th graders in the school, but more importantly, getting the juniors ready for their final year. “It is very busy this time of year,” stated Vicki Maynard, senior councilor for Seymour High School. “We have kids getting ready to graduate, as well as all the juniors preparing to enter their final year of high school.” Many juniors anticipate finishing their high school career early and venturing onto college while many of their classmates will remain in high school. “Graduating early is for strong students who take their education seriously,” said Maynard. “The county has four different options for students who wish to attend college earlier.” Option one is for seniors only. Students are eligible to attend college part time while still attending high school. The freshmen courses taken at the college will substitute for the courses, which the student needed for graduation from high school. They must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA and have obtained at least a 25 on the ACT. A written endorsement from the college as well as the high school principal and councilor is necessary. Option two is available to juniors and seniors who have at least a 3.5 GPA. The student will be allowed to attend college after the hours of school to obtain high school and college credits. The principal will determine the appropriateness of course and high school credit will be awarded after successful completion of the college course. A score of at least 25 on the ACT must be on file as well as a written endorsement from the college and high school principal