Get a Jumpstart on College: Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment in the Academies of Anchorage

The Academies of Anchorage provides students with a unique opportunity to get a head start on their college and career goals through dual credit and dual enrollment programs. These opportunities allow high school students to earn college credit while still in high school, saving time and money and providing a seamless transition to post-secondary education.

Dual Credit in Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways are designed to prepare students for high-demand careers, and dual credit is a powerful tool within this framework. Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, students can take CTE courses that simultaneously count for both high school credit and college credit.

• Hands-On Experience: For example, students in a CTE pathway can take a course in welding that also provides them with college credit toward an associate's degree or certificate. This not only gives them a head start on their career but also validates their skills with a college transcript.

• Cost Savings: By earning college credit in high school, students can significantly reduce the overall cost of their higher education. These dual credit courses are often offered at a reduced rate or are entirely covered by the school district, making college more accessible and affordable.

• Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS): The rigorous coursework in CTE dual credit programs often meets the academic requirements for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). This allows students to pursue their career interests while also securing valuable financial aid for their post-secondary education.

Dual Enrollment Programs (e.g., South Anchorage High School's Civic Leadership Program)

Dual enrollment goes a step further, allowing students to take actual college-level courses, often taught by university professors or highly qualified high school instructors. South Anchorage High School's Civic Leadership Program is a prime example of this model in action.

• College-Level Rigor: This program partners with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to offer courses in subjects like history and philosophy that are taught at a college level. This gives students an authentic taste of the academic demands of university life.

• Skill Development: The program's emphasis on project-based learning, community service, and critical inquiry helps students develop the advanced research, writing, and communication skills that are essential for success in college and beyond.

• Transferable Credits: The college credits earned through a dual enrollment program are recorded on a student's official university transcript. This means they can be transferred to UAA or other colleges, allowing students to skip introductory courses and dive into more advanced subjects as college freshmen.

By providing these dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities, the Academies of Anchorage empowers students to make the most of their high school years, building a strong academic foundation and a clear pathway to future success.