The Vancouver Rotary Club recognizes Vancouver Public Schools Each month for the past 29 years, the Vancouver Rotary Club has honored an outstanding employee or program in Vancouver Public Schools. The employees and programs selected for recognition are chosen because they make an impact in students' lives and show the great work happening in Vancouver Public Schools.
Vancouver Rotary recognition
April 24, 2013
College in the High School promotes high school rigor
College in the High School
Vancouver students have several options to earn college credit while in high school. Running Start allows high school students to attend Clark College and earn college credit. Last year 41 Vancouver Public Schools’ students graduated from high school with both a high school diploma and an associates’ degree.
Students who take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate classes can test out of required college courses. This avenue allows students to trim up to a year from their projected college graduation timeline and from their college expenses. Tech Prep classes are offered in all VPS comprehensive high schools. Students can earn college credit with Clark and Clackamas community colleges through articulated courses.
Another option for high school juniors and seniors is College in the High School. This program began five years ago and is possible through partnerships with Clark College and University of Washington. There are currently 75 students district-wide enrolled in the College in the High School program. They receive college credit at a significant reduction in cost. Often, this is the incentive for many students to begin thinking that they can go to college.
For example, students who enroll in AP English Literature or AP English Language at Fort Vancouver High School also may earn credit for college courses English 130 and English 101. Fort teachers Leah Baker and Sherri Priestman are approved to teach college-level courses as adjunct instructors. For their College in the High School students, Leah and Sherri report their grades to Clark College for credit.
For our students, College in the High School is a win-win.
For more information about College in the High School, contact Allison Darke, resource coordinator, curriculum, at allison.darke@vansd.org.
