What you need to know
Collin College and PISD signed an agreement to create the Wildcat Collegiate Academy, which will start in fall 2024, according to a news release from the district.
The academy will allow eighth and rising ninth grade students the opportunity to graduate high school with an associate of arts or science degree from Collin College.
“This model is a triple win for students, their families and the communities we serve,” Collin College District President Neil Matkin said in the release. “Academy students can save time and experience the amazing opportunity of attending their high school graduation as college graduates. With two years of college credit under their belts, these students can then transfer to area universities as juniors, saving tens of thousands of dollars.”
What else?
The Wildcat Collegiate Academy will accept cohorts of 125 students who will all start at Vines High School and continue at Plano Senior High School.
The program is an addition to PISD and Collin College’s long-standing partnership, according to the release. PISD currently has 1,350 students enrolled in dual credit classes at Collin College, and the district also partners with Collin College for its Health Sciences Academy and Industries Academy.
Quote of note
“Earning college credit in high school is an academic and financial game changer for many of our students and their families,” PISD Superintendent Theresa Williams said in the release. “As a parent of a child who earned an associate degree at the same time he earned a high school diploma, I know how beneficial this type of program can be in accelerating a student’s path at the university level.”
Learn more
The district will be hosting an open house with more information on the Wildcat Collegiate Academy from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Vines High School cafeteria Nov. 2.
More information on the academy can also be found on PISD’s website.
