Gaining College Credit in High School
The following provisions will be in effect only as provided by the Iowa Legislature.
Junior and Senior students are eligible to enroll for high school/college credit under the Post Secondary Enrollment Act. In addition, ninth or tenth grade students who are identified as a gifted and talented student according to the school district’s criteria and procedures may now participate under this. Credit earned under this act will count for both high school and college credit. Students may enroll at Iowa regent’s universities, Iowa community colleges or Iowa private colleges.
The courses that students select must not be offered at Johnston High School. The cost for taking these courses will be paid for by the Johnston Community Schools. However, a student enrolling in a course who drops or fails the class, will be responsible for reimbursing the district for the cost of the class. High school credit earned will be based on the college credit awarded. Each semester hour of college credit will be worth 1/6 unit of high school credit. Each quarter hour of college credit earned will be worth 1/9 unit of high school credit. These credits will count toward graduation as though they were taken in the high school.
Students enrolling under this process must provide their own transportation. It is also the responsibility of each student to plan a schedule that will work. However, counseling services are available to students both in the high school and through the post-secondary institution. Students and parents are encouraged to get a more detailed description of this act in the Guidance Office prior to enrolling in courses. Students must contact the Post Secondary Enrollment Option Coordinator at Johnston High School to secure forms and to enroll. Registration and enrollment depends on notification and regulation provided by each post-secondary institution.
It is the intent of Johnston High School to help students take courses at post secondary institutions if they are eligible, but post secondary institutions may not all agree to participate in the program.