We are pleased to announce that West Washington Jr-Sr High School is becoming an Early College High School, giving students a head start on their post-secondary goals. All students at West Washington have the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and up to two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, a technical certificate, and/or an industry certification.
\r\nThere is a tremendous amount of excitement across our student body, as well as the administration for this opportunity. “I am excited to be able to offer this support system to our students. Becoming an Early College High School will allow us to help remove many barriers that can often hinder our kids from attending college or achieving their post-secondary goals. Students can now earn both their high school diploma and up to two years of college credit while attending West Washington High School. Dreams can now become realities, especially for those who are first-generation college students and those who normally could not attend college. I am especially proud of our teachers and administrators who are working with expediency and great dedication to bring the Early College High School model to West Washington Jr-Sr High School," shared West Washington High School Principal, Mrs. Angela Girgis.
\r\nWith offering 28 college courses and 71 possible college credit hours to our students, the availability of college courses is nothing new to West Washington. However, becoming an official Early College High School will create even greater opportunities. “West Washington has offered a variety of courses over the years that allow students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. These opportunities help students get a taste of what it takes to complete advanced coursework in the college or technical training environment. I'm thrilled that we are able to take our efforts to the next level by becoming an official Early College High School. This is a gamechanger for our students, who are saving valuable time and money by getting a head start on their goals beyond high school,” explained High School Counselor, Stacey Nance.
\r\nIncluded in our Early High School programming is the option for students to opt-in to the Indiana College Core, a 30 credit hour block of general education courses that transfer among all public institutions and some private colleges. This option is ideal for students who plan to pursue a two or four year degree after high school. Students earning the Indiana College Core are more likely to enroll in college. Once at college, those students can focus on major-specific courses earlier than their peers and pursue additional opportunities such as adding a minor and studying abroad. Additionally, they are more likely to graduate early or on-time and could pursue graduate school ahead of their peers who did not earn the Core in high school.
\r\nSuperintendent Keith Nance shared his excitement about the potential designation as an Early College High School. "As an educator and as a parent, I see this as a huge advantage to families. The ability to remove the burden of cost for college credits can give students the headstart needed to make college a reality."
Our Early College Coordinator, Chad Johnson is passionate about the opportunities that will be created through this program. “I am excited to be leading this program at our school. I have been a proponent of Early College programs for years and I know that our students will enjoy some great benefits from this program. It does not matter if you are wanting to become a doctor, teacher, plumber, welder, business owner, engineer, or anything in between, the Early College program here at West Washington has something for you,” Mr. Chad Johnson noted.
\r\nThere will be more communication in the near future surrounding this opportunity, so please stay tuned for more details.
