As the year ends, the options to take classes over the summer open up. Dual credit classes are an option for students who want to gain college as well as high school credit. There are opportunities all four years of high school to take the classes during the summer or during the school year.

“The great thing about dual credit is it’s actually a class that you’re taking here,” dual credit advisor Lindsay Smith said. “It just counts for both. So there might be a little bit of additional work, but it’s nothing outlandish.”

A workload to expect from mini courses and dual credit summer academy can be challenging. The courses are nine weeks of information put into f0ur weeks. Students should talk to a counselor to make sure they have the time to do well in the class.

“It is a lot more work and they have to understand that it is a college course,” Smith said.

Taking dual credit can be a great way to save money and prepare students for college level courses.

“You save heaps of money, the courses are discounted through the high school and there’s also scholarships involved where some students don’t pay anything for dual credit,” Smith said.

Students can take more than just the basic courses required, they can find classes to go with their plan for college. Finding classes that suit their interests can make the experience really enjoyable. This has been the case for junior Sydnei Sisney, who has been taking dual credit courses since her freshman year.

“I want to pursue law and I’m very, very passionate about advocating for marginalized communities,” Sisney said.

The workload can be intimidating but learning how to manage time is a skill you can learn with these classes. Getting focused can be difficult, especially during the summer. Finding what works for you can look different for everyone.

“Creating an environment you like, and for me specifically, to get me focused I put on jazz and just have to focus,” Sisney said.