Committed to ensuring that all Garland ISD students graduate with college credit in addition to their high school diplomas, the district’s Board of Trustees approved a new College for All focus Dec. 18. It includes steps to help every student earn at least six hours of credit before they leave GISD.
“We already know that Garland ISD offers the best education in the area, state and nation,” said Board President Jed Reed. “This decision makes our district even better. Not only will it save families thousands of dollars, but it will also prepare students for success in college, careers and life.”
Currently, GISD gives students the opportunity to accrue college credit through dual-credit, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. Lakeview Centennial High School’s Collegiate Academy also allows students to graduate with both an associate degree (up to 60 credit hours) and a high school diploma.
The district’s new College for All focus creates additional pathways for college, career and military readiness. In 2019-20, Naaman Forest High School will launch a Collegiate Academy and partner with Richland College to offer Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degrees.
Rowlett High School will also launch a Collegiate Academy for Technology. This program not only offers an Associate of Applied Science degree but also a two-year career certification. The campus will work with local businesses as well, including Microsoft and Game Stop, to provide students training through internships and apprenticeships.
Partnering with Eastfield College, the South Garland Early College High School will target first-generation college-goers, as well as students who may not already be on the path to college. This program offers an Associate of Science degree with a focus on automotive and electronics.
GISD’s current eighth-graders are encouraged to take advantage of these new opportunities during the 2019-20 Choice of School period, which begins Jan. 14.
“This is just the beginning,” said Chief Leadership Officer Dr. Susanna Russell. “We are working toward offering early college or Collegiate Academy programs at every high school. Each one will have an area of specialization tied to a career pathway that is aligned with workforce trends in this region. Our focus is what’s best for students.”
Visit garlandisd.net/college4all to learn more about College for All in GISD.
Information provided by Garland ISD.