College Prep and Early College Programs for High School Students

Your child can earn college credit while still in high school. This can offset the cost of college after your child graduates from high school or help them accelerate in a college program. Different options for obtaining college credit in high school are listed below. Students should consult with their school counselor to explore early college credit options and choose the path that's right for them.

 

Ohio College Tech Prep

Ohio College Tech Prep blends college prep academics with technology education. In grades 11 and 12, students combine their high school studies with college equivalent courses. Programs are offered in career centers, high schools and colleges throughout Ohio. Students can advance to two-year or four-year college programs after graduation and are prepared for jobs in high demand technical fields. Many college partners offer College Tech Prep scholarships for students who complete the high school and college entrance components of the pathway.


Advanced Placement (AP) Program

AP classes are college-level classes taken in high school. At the end of the course, students take an exam. If they receive a qualifying score, many colleges will offer them college credit or advanced placement. Students should check with their high school to find out what kinds of AP classes are offered. If the school does not offer AP classes, students can complete independent studies and take the exam at a participating school.


College Credit Plus

Ohio’s College Credit Plus can help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. Taking a college course from a public college or university College Credit Plus is free. That means no cost for tuition, books or fees if students attend public school in the state of Ohio. If a student chooses to attend a private college or are homeschooled, he or she may have limited costs. 


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year program that leads to a special qualification when participants graduate from high school. Students in participating schools take IB coursework during grades 11 and 12. The IB Diploma Programme focuses on international learning, service, creativity and critical thinking. It does not provide college credit, but it prepares students for college-level work. Colleges all over the world recognize the high standards of an IB Diploma.


Early College High Schools

Early College High Schools combine high school and the first several years of college. In grades 9 and 10, students take college-prep classes. In grades 11 and 12, students take college-level classes, earning both college and high school credit. Tuition at most Early College High Schools is free, which can lower the overall cost of a student’s college education.

Last Modified: 11/2/2023 10:58:20 AM