While most high school students spend their days focused on upcoming tests and graduation requirements, a growing number are also managing college-level courses. These students are a part of something known as dual enrollment, where they get the opportunity to earn college credits before even finishing high school.
Many students say the opportunity helps them get ahead academically and financially. Dual enrollment programs, offered through local colleges or online, allow students to experience the difficulty of college work while still having support from their high school.
Jackeline Cervantes, who is a student at Sierra Pacific, thinks taking a dual enrollment course is challenging but worth it.
“I wanted to challenge myself and get a head start on my degree,” Cervantes said.
Sierra Pacific counselor Rhonda Kane said there are a few main reasons why students choose to take college classes during their high school.
“Many take classes that they need to meet the graduation or A-G requirements to free up time in their high school schedule for other classes that they want,” Kane said. “Others want a jump start on their college degrees or to take classes we don’t offer at SP, like ASL [American Sign Language] or ceramics.”
The opportunities that come with dual enrollment are especially appealing to students involved in several school programs.
Said Kane: “It helps them earn guaranteed college credits that also satisfy high school requirements, which saves them time and money earning their degree after they graduate. It also gives them room in their high school schedule to take the electives they want, especially if they are in programs like [Associated Student Body], [Future Farmers of America], or band.”
For students with busy schedules, this flexibility can make a huge difference. By taking classes like world history or foreign language courses at local colleges such as Lemoore College or College of the Sequoias, students can meet graduation requirements early and open up their high school schedules for activities they are passionate about.
Still, balancing high school and college coursework isn’t easy.
“College classes are harder, require more work, and expect more discipline from students than high school classes and the grade you get in a college class during high school will always remain on your permanent college transcript,” Kane said.
It is known that college courses require more independence and responsibility from students. In high school classes, teachers often check on students and guide them through each part of their assignments. However, college classes expect students to stay on top of their workload and be able to manage their time, while also taking responsibility for their own work without constant reminders.
Students who take on these classes must stay motivated and organized, but many like Cervantez find the effort worth their time.
“It’s tough,” Cervantez said. “But I feel like it’s preparing me for what’s next.”
As more students look for ways to get ahead, programs like these continue to grow in popularity among high school students. For many, they’re not just a head start but a sneak peek into the future of their college education.
