Cy-Fair ISD and Lone Star College-CyFair celebrated the beginning of College Academy, a new partnership with Cypress Lakes High School, on Oct. 3.

The dual-credit program allows CFISD students to simultaneously earn credits for an associate degree from LSC-CyFair that count toward their high school diplomas for $72 per three-hour credit.

Superintendent Mark Henry said the program gives students the opportunity to get a jump-start on earning college credit at a low cost while still participating in extracurricular activities at their home campuses.

Starting in the ninth grade, students can prepare for the college ready assessment. Students can start taking dual-credit courses as early as the spring semester of 10th grade. Dual-credit will continue through senior year with opportunities for summer school courses.

Dual-credit enrollment at LSC-CyFair has increased by 37.5 percent since fall 2014, officials said.

“Community colleges certainly strive to work collaboratively with their local school districts, but what exists here between LSC-CyFair and CFISD is truly a national model,” LSC-CyFair President Seelpa Keshvala said.

Priority was awarded to students who are the first generation in their families to attend college, students who are economically disadvantaged, high achievers and students who are underserved. A total of 140 students will participate in the pilot this year.

Linda Macias, CFISD’s associate superintendent of curriculum, instruction and accountability, said the program is set to expand to all district high schools over the next two years.

“College is now for our students; not a possible dream, but a reality,” Macias said. “We look forward to expanding the College Academy program to all of our high schools.”