Concurrent enrollment allows students to earn free college credit while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college and career goals. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college while in their supportive high school environment or on a college campus, earning college and high school credits simultaneously.
Available at all DPS high schools, many concurrent enrollment credits are transferrable to a two- or four-year degree program. Research shows providing college-level work while in high school helps prepare students for postsecondary success, particularly those historically underserved in higher education. DPS is leading the state with the highest number of students participating in concurrent enrollment during the 2015-2016 school year (totaling 2,531), according to a recent report released from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Concurrent Enrollment is open to DPS students beginning in the ninth grade. In order to participate, students must apply to and be accepted to the college for admission. Students are required to have an approved ICAP and completed paperwork by the district deadline.
School counselors and administrators can provide assistance to students interested in applying. In order to participate, students must apply to and be accepted to the college for admission. Students are required to have an approved ICAP and completed paperwork by the district deadline.
For more information about the application process, please check with your child’s school counselor and visit the Guide to Apply to Concurrent Enrollment.
By earning transferable college credits while still in high school, students save both time and money and ease the transition to college. Through concurrent enrollment, students are exposed to the rigors of college at an earlier age, better preparing them for postsecondary success. With the ICAP process, concurrent enrollment allows students to take courses that are of personal interest to them. Additionally, students who participate in concurrent enrollment are eligible to apply for ASCENT.
Lumiere Sidonie
Junior at High Tech Early College
Students can participate in courses either at their high school or the college campus of their choice. DPS will cover tuition fees up to the community college rate.
The roundtable discussion focused on concurrent enrollment as a pathway toward higher education.