subject: Arizona High Schools: Challenging The Traditional Environment With College Coursework [print this page] Currently, some Arizona high schools offer creative ways to earn college credit while earning a diploma. Students get a two-for-one deal on their educational investment. Also called early college high schools, these programs allow students to graduate with an Associate degree or earn enough college credits to enter a four-year bachelor program as a college junior.
Arizona high schools offering these programs have formed partnerships with local colleges. Coursework is completed on a college campus in regular college courses.
What Can Early College High Schools Do for You?
Compared to traditional Arizona high schools, early college high schools:
Provide more affordable and accessible higher education.
Bridge the gap between high school and college for many students.
Eliminate time during junior and senior years in high school.
Facilitate the transition to higher education.
Provide adult guidance and support during initial years of college.
Create challenge of completing college-level work during high school.
Inspire students to work hard.
Eliminate the need to complete the college application process during the senior year in high school.
Save time and money by integrating high school and college coursework.
The students attending these Arizona high schools have greater access to authentic college environments. By mingling with traditional college students, program participants tend to be more motivated to successfully complete their coursework.
Why some Arizona High Schools Offer Early College Programs
In general, early college high schools are small, autonomous programs that blend high school and college into a cohesive education. They are designed for students to achieve two years of college credit during the same time they earn a high school diploma. The time period is typically within four to five years after entering the ninth grade, or freshman year.
By reaching out to students and providing extensive support, Arizona high schools with early college programs make sure students are well prepared to complete college-level work. These programs are designed to serve the developmental and intellectual needs of young people.
In addition, these schools remove major barriers to attending and succeeding in post-secondary studies. Arizona high schools with these programs reward students for the extra hard work by providing, at no charge, the opportunity to earn two years of college credit in an accelerated format.
The physical transition between high school and college is removed. And, students learn in a personalized environment conducive to the demanding workload.
What Interested Students Should Do
Students interested in attending Arizona high schools with early college programs should carefully consider several factors. The most important question to answer is whether they are academically ready for college-level work. Given their younger age, high school students pursuing college programs should be somewhat more developed than their age-mates.
Additional questions to answer include:
When and where is early college entrance appropriate?
Has the student reached the appropriate maturity level and demonstrated a readiness for college work?
Has the student engaged in experiences that would prepare him or her for success in college coursework?
Although the opportunities are exciting and can provide a host of benefits, students and parents must carefully consider this type of program. The workload will be heavier and more demanding. As a result, students will have to make sacrifices that may involve foregoing other personal pursuits and social activities.
