Arapahoe Community College enrolls many high school students in college courses.

Arapahoe Community College reports about 65% of its students—roughly 11,000 of nearly 17,000—are concurrently enrolled high school students, and the college offers a mix of general education and growing technical programs through partnerships with local school districts.

Arapahoe Community College in Colorado is enrolling large numbers of high school students in college classes before they graduate. The college reports that about 65% of its overall enrollment are concurrently enrolled high school students, roughly 11,000 of nearly 17,000 students. Concurrent enrollment allows students to earn college credit while in high school with tuition paid by the school district, and the program is described as more accessible than some dual enrollment arrangements. College officials say the program has grown rapidly and that state policy now requires high schools to offer some form of concurrent enrollment. Program details: - ACC reports nearly 17,000 total students and just over 11,000 concurrently enrolled high school students. - Shari Culver, Associate Dean for Concurrent Enrollment, said the concurrent enrollment population has grown up to about 20% year over year and that ACC is the largest provider in the state. - Monica Fuglei, Concurrent Enrollment Faculty Chair, said about 490 instructors are approved to teach concurrent enrollment, with roughly 250–300 actively teaching this semester. - ACC partners with 15 school districts, including Douglas County, Jefferson County and Littleton Public Schools, and about 90% of concurrent courses are general education classes taught at local high schools. - The college has increased technical education offerings such as automotive, cosmetology, robotics, CTE and CNA; Sheridan High School students can earn an Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair certificate after one year, and instructors like Bob Parmley teach classes on ACC’s campus. Summary: The program is providing earlier access to college credit and vocational training for many high school students, and some participants, such as Sheridan senior Josue Brizuela, plan to continue into an associate degree after graduation. Enrollment and course offerings have been expanding, but specific next steps or broader statewide changes are undetermined at this time.