Dual College Credit Program Provides Free College for High School Students

Sequoia Choice Arizona Distance Learning’s Dual College Credit Program Enables High School Students to Earn College Credit or Associate’s Degrees before High School Graduation and Pays All College and Textbooks Fees  

Mesa, AZ –  High school and then college may be a traditional academic path for most high school students, but not for 69 Sequoia Choice Arizona Distance Learning students currently participating in the school’s Dual College Credit Program. Sequoia’s Dual College Credit program enables high school students to take free college courses and earn college credit before high school graduation.

Michael Savoia started the program when he was a freshman. This year he will graduate with his high school diploma and two associate’s degrees in business and science from Northland Pioneer College. He is the second Sequoia Choice student to graduate with two Northland Pioneer College associates degrees before high school graduation.

“I started Sequoia’s Dual College Credit Program when I was a freshman and found it challenging, but I was able to do most of my high school course work online and attend college at the Northland Pioneer campus. Although I was the youngest student in my college classes, it has been very motivating. Being able to do both college and high school at the same time has really put me ahead and helped my family financially,” said Michael Savoia.

Since 2004, over 200 students have earned college credit and in the past five years, approximately 20 students have earned associate’s degrees by high school graduation. Students can start anytime and unlike other high schools, Sequoia Choice pays all college and textbooks fees, as long as the student maintains a “C” average.

Jack Miller is a junior at Sequoia Choice and takes all of his classes at Mesa Community College (MCC). The freedom to choose when, where, and how he attends was a big plus for Jack because he is also a secondary source of income for his family. 

“My life is so busy and it’s hard to come to school every day. The Dual College Credit program lets me create my own college and high school course schedule, which enables me to keep my job.” Jack went on to say, “I love how much my mom appreciates it when I can help her out and how my high school is paying for my college.”

Erika Taylor is a junior at Sequoia Choice, a freshman at Rio Salado College, and a working model, actress, and singer who frequently travels to Los Angeles. Her dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit disorder has not hindered her online academic success. Erika thought that getting into the Dual College Credit Program would be difficult.

“I have an Individual Education Plan, or IEP, and I didn’t think I could pass the college placement tests, but I did. The Rio Salado staff was extremely helpful; they offered me a private room to take my tests in and a reader to read the questions to me. I also attend high school online at Sequoia Star Academy’s learning lab that has teachers on site to help me with my classes. So far I have earned six college credits,” said Erika Taylor.

Published on behalf of Sequoia Choice Arizona Distance Learning
Sequoia Choice Arizona Distance Learning was one of the first online K-12 charter schools in Arizona and operates in Mesa, Phoenix, Peoria, Queen Creek, Maricopa, Show Low and Mayer, and statewide through site partnerships and home-based programs. To learn more about their innovative programs visit www.sequoiachoice.org or call (480) 461-3200.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Mesa, Northland Pioneer College, Sequoia Choice Arizona Distance Learning