Two stories that are changing the future of early college in high school

If you don't think you can make a difference in your pre-teens/teens' education, think again. Here are two stories of why getting some college credit in high school is an incredible option.

After years of helping her husband succeed and finish a Ph.D., a young mother was determined to help her children get some college at an earlier age. She began searching for options and by the time her oldest was in high school she was able to help a local high school begin to offer general education college courses. During that time, many schools began offering early college courses. One school hired their own college professors in cooperation with local colleges and paired them with wonderful academic coaches. This helped students to succeed at getting early college credits while in high school. This program has helped this young mother educate her children in the way that she always hoped was possible, all 5 children have graduated high school with an associate degree and a high school diploma. The success does not stop there. She was asked to help develop a program where other families could benefit from early college. This is where the real story begins.

Another student's mom was also concerned about her education. She was an average student and really was not interested in learning. She went to school because she enjoyed her friends and did what she needed to to get by. She tolerated school because she loved her friends. Her mom heard about a school that really took the time to mentor pre-teens and teens to get early college courses in high school. She enrolled her student. At first her daughter was hesitant. She was encouraged and supported in areas that lead her to a clear path for her future. The teachers became her mentors. The learning coaches took a real interest in helping her develop and grow. This student spent four years in this environment. She became an incredible writer with a passion for psychology and criminal justice. She earned a full associate's degree the day she received her high school diploma. She received scholarships and went on to attend the university of her choice. In her first year of college she became a research assistant for a developmental psychologist and became one of the youngest students to present at the annual conference of the International Association for Moral Education. The presentations were on teacher perceptions of student behavior and ways in which online learning might influence teacher-student relationships. She accomplished all of this by the age of 18.

Education is something that should propel a student forward in their passions and interests. One size does not fit all. Teens and pre-teens should not just be given information, but should have the opportunity to lead out in their education. By getting some of the most general college courses mastered while in high school, youth will have more time to explore internships, opportunities for job shadowing, and real-life experiences. The success of this approach has been far-reaching. These mothers' hopes for their students have become a reality for many students and families. Your students' future and education is really in your hands.

Lumen Scholar Institute has been developing this approach since 2015, and was accredited in April 2017 through Advanced Ed. Lumen is a live, online, virtual school that involves teachers, small group instruction, study groups and mentoring. Your child can have all of those advantages when enrolled at Lumen. Apply here and grab a spot. We have a limited number of Junior high and high school openings next semester. You must live in Utah to apply.

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