High school students chosen for Paradise Valley Community College's Early College dispel the stereotype of the typical “slacker” teen. With their work ethic and academic aptitude, the 50 students (combined) from Paradise Valley and North Canyon high schools will be busy managing both regular high school classes in the morning and then college classes in the afternoons.

The launch of this prototype will begin with the first classes in the fall. In an agreement between Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) and Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) reached this month, Early College students will begin in their junior year of high school and continue into their senior year, earning as many as 35 college credits by the time they graduate from high school. These credits will transfer as the lower division general education course requirements established by Arizona's three state universities. If they complete the program of study and receive a grade of C or higher, Early College students will automatically be accepted into their choice of Arizona public universities.

Dr. Shirley Green, dean of students at PVCC; Bob Bendotti, vice president of learning at PVCC; PVUSD Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard; and Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Weimer led the development of the project. Green said, “This is an exciting new opportunity for our area high school students. It gives them just one more choice in their academic career path. Early College empowers them to move ahead and—through their hard work—be successful.”

The program also offers tuition savings over the cost of taking the same 35 credits at an Arizona university. The current tuition level at Maricopa Community Colleges is $65 per credit for in-county residents, with other fees which may be applicable. Tuition waivers will be available to students who qualify economically. The cost per credit at Arizona?s three universities is much higher.

Dr. Weimer said, “College-ready students will be recommended by their high school counselors, and must pass proficiency tests in college-level reading, English and math. This is one of many flexible offerings available to PVUSD high school students. Motivated students will be rewarded by getting a jump-start on their college education and by being challenged with college-level academic work.”

All classes will be on the PVCC campus at 32nd Street and Union Hills, and will be taught by the regular college faculty. The program differs from dual-enrollment, in that students are not receiving high school and college credit for the same classes. They separately take distinct classes at the high school and at the college.