Concurrent enrollment is a growing phenomenon in our public schools. Through arrangements between colleges and school districts, high school students can take college courses and receive both high school and college credits for the same course.
Everyone seems to win with these concurrent enrollment programs, which are also known as PSEO, or post secondary enrollment options.
Students are able to take more demanding classes at an early age–and receive college credit.
Parents can reduce the cost of a college education. In some districts, parents pay the tuition for a community college course. In other districts, the state picks up the tab as long as the student passes the course. Either way, parents save on the cost of a four-year degree.
Community colleges boost their FTE enrollments–and are given state funding in proportion to the number of students enrolled.
School districts win because they can offer higher level courses and increase college preparedness at no increased cost.
But students are the biggest beneficiaries of the concurrent enrollment programs. An article in today’s Denver Post attests to the benefits that students can receive by virtue of pushing themselves a bit harder.
For more information about concurrent enrollment and its benefits in comparison to the Advanced Placement (AP) program, see my previous post here.
Mark Montgomery
College Planner
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