Don't wait until college to get ahead!

It's never too early to start thinking about college.

In high school, students are often encouraged to take college courses to get a head start on their degree. But what about middle school students? Should they be encouraged to take college courses as well?

The answer is yes! There are many benefits to taking college courses in middle school. It’s never too early to start thinking about college. In fact, taking college courses while still in middle school can give students a leg up on their future classmates. Studies have shown that students who take college courses in middle school are more likely to succeed in college and beyond.

College-level courses offer middle school students the opportunity to earn credits towards a degree, while also providing them with valuable skills and knowledge. Although some students may be hesitant to take on the challenge of college-level coursework, there are many reasons why it is worth considering.

Offering college courses to middle school students might seem like a lot of pressure to put on a child at that stage in their life however schools who promote these programs find that students rise to the occasion consistently.

Offering college courses to middle school students might seem like a lot of pressure to put on a child at that stage in their life however schools who promote these programs find that students rise to the occasion consistently. When middle school students who are enrolled in these programs pass a college course and earn credit they get a boost of confidence. It makes them realize that they can easily handle their middle school coursework since they successfully completed a college course.

Some school districts will use after school time to enrich and advance students learning through this kind of program where college courses are offered instead of providing low level courses for students afterschool.

Some students could possibly earn enough credits to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree, however usually the purpose of these kinds of programs for middle school students is the exposure to college coursework.

It’s important to note that students in these kinds of programs receive support. They are not completing these courses on their own, they have a teacher or facilitator there to assist them as needed. The colleges and schools work together to ensure the program’s success. The colleges choose the coursework that they believe are most suited for the students and the school chooses the students who they feel are the most prepared to handle the coursework.

Not only is taking college courses a helpful confidence booster but they can give students a feel for what college is like.

Not only is taking college courses a helpful confidence booster but they can give students a feel for what college is like. This can be especially helpful for those who are unsure if they want to go to college. In middle school is when students really start to think about their futures, they begin to think about high school and the steps beyond. Many students tend to think that college is out of reach for them before even really knowing what college entails. Taking a few college courses would give them a realistic view of what taking college courses is like and they will see how attainable college really is.

Taking college courses can also help students prepare for the rigors of college academics.

Taking college courses can also help students prepare for the rigors of college academics. By taking a few college courses while still in middle school, students can learn how to juggle multiple classes and assignments at once. Having this additional responsibility will really help them to learn to multitask on another level. Of course, they may need support and that is where Parents come in. Helping your child to learn how to stay organized will be key in showing them how to handle the rigors of college coursework.

Taking college courses can also help students earn scholarship money.

Taking college courses can also help students earn scholarship money. When your child is applying to colleges, seeing that a child started taking college coursework as a middle school student shows that they really look to challenge themself and that they are really committed to their learning. This level of commitment is appealing to admissions counselors as well as private donors who are looking for students to give scholarships to.

If your child’s middle school doesn’t offer a college course program, you should definitely reach out to the school administration to see if it is a possibility. If not, you can reach out to your local community college and find courses that would be suitable for your child if this is something that you think that your child is ready for.