In a school where 90 percent of the students seek some post-secondary education, Greg Winger, principal at Lyons Middle/Senior High School, is always looking for options to support his students beyond the senior year. Winger reached out to Colorado State University (CSU) to create an innovative partnership.
Together, Lyons High School and CSU designed a concurrent enrollment program for students to complete online college coursework throughout their day. With this program in place, students will have the ability to receive both high school and college credit through this online program, while maintaining their regular extracurricular schedules.
This academic year, students will be able to complete college-level Psychology or Sociology taught by CSU faculty and facilitated in the high school classroom by Lyons High School faculty member, Brand Deming. During the class period, Deming will assist students with course details, time management and college level expectations. The new iPad minis provided to each student through the district’s Learning Technology Plan supports students’ access to course materials outside the classroom.
“We are trying to give kids a taste (of college) in a very structured and supportive environment”
– Greg Winger, Lyons Middle/Senior Principal
CSU online classes are offered at a reduced rate of $150, saving students over $450 per course. Course credits can be applied to any Colorado college or university, as they are part of the state guaranteed transfer program.
Winger’s vision for this program is that in one classroom, students could simultaneously be working on different online college courses. “We would not be able to offer seven more advanced placement courses (due to our size), but we might be able to offer seven (more college courses) in one classroom,” said Winger.
Students must be enrolled in 10th, 11th or 12th grade, have a 3.5 GPA or higher, and have a teacher recommendation. Reaching out to students in the sophomore year allows students an early start toward their college degree. Offering these opportunities, along with the current advanced placement courses, gives students several options for a strong start to college while in high school.
“We hope this program builds confidence for going to college. … We are trying to instill, encourage, and build student confidence ‘you can do it.’ … We are very excited about this opportunity,”
– Greg Winger, Lyons Middle/Senior Principal
For more information, contact Greg Winger, 303 823-6631.