Is it Worth It? Pros and Cons of College Classes in High School

Do you have a teen who is thinking about taking college classes in high school? There are pros and cons to letting kids jump into college early.

When I was in high school it was almost unheard of to take college classes in high school. Now, there are so many options for teens to customize their own educational experience. Many high schools even offer dual enrollment options so students can take college classes without feeling like they are missing out on the high school scene.

You don’t have to limit yourself to your local school though. There are so many alternative education programs, online learning options, and dual-enrollment opportunities. Having so many options makes it easy to create an educational plan that is exactly what your teen needs.

I have 3 teens at the moment who have all taken college classes in high school. My oldest really pushed through and was able to graduate with three years worth of college. His younger brothers are close behind him and will both graduate high school with their associate degrees.

Why would teens want to take college classes in high school?

Taking college classes early isn’t a good fit for every student. For some students, it can be exactly what they need.

Many college dual-enrollment programs are offered for free or at a very low cost. This means students who take college classes before they graduate high school can drastically cut down on the cost of their college degree.

Money isn’t the only consideration though. Some teens are just ready for more advanced material. If your teen is bored in high school or wants to explore an interest they have at a deeper level, college classes may be a great choice.

What are the downsides of taking college classes early?

Jumping into college isn’t the best choice for every student.

The main reason students may not want to take higher education classes early is that they simply aren’t ready for it. I’ve known many teens who jumped into college programs early and either found the material too difficult or were overwhelmed by the workload.

High school is an experience. Taking classes off-site or adding additional classes can limit the time kids have for the more traditional high school experience like sports, clubs, and just hanging out with friends. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on the things that are important now and saving college for later.

What options do students have to take college classes in high school?

If your teen decides that they are ready to try taking college classes, they have quite a few options.

• Check with your school to see if they offer dual enrollment options. Some schools already have opportunities available.
• Contact your local college and ask them what their policy is for students who haven’t graduated high school yet and whether they have any dual enrollment programs for high schoolers in place.
• Look for online options so your student can learn at their own pace. Many colleges offer online classes that are open to high school students or you can find privabely funded online learning options.

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