Concurrent-credit classes allow students to take college courses

LITTLE ROCK — Greenbrier High School provides an exceptional way to earn college credits with concurrent-credit classes. Concurrent credit is an easy and inexpensive way to take college-level classes at a high school level.

High school students have the chance to take up to 60 hours of concurrent-credit classes while they are attending school in Greenbrier. While these college level classes area positive way to enrich a student's educational ability, they can be trying tasks to complete.

"It is a pioneering program," says Jeremy Kennedy, an English teacher at Greenbrier High School. As students are readying themselves to enter high school, a concurrent credit adviser will come to their school and speak all about concurrent credit and how students can achieve it.

First, you must take the ACT test and receive a composite score of 19. You must also have a score of 19 on the reading portion. If you are going to take a math course, then a score of 19 is also required.

When asked about the ACT test, Kaitlyn Maynard said, "The ACT was a very long test. It has helped me to understand how tests will be in the future and will help me get into a good college."

After that, it's almost a free ride through the class, almost. As a concurrent-credit student, you must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average and keep your grades above a C average in order to stay in the class. Otherwise, you're outta there. There is work to be done in that class and you have to get it done properly and on time. If not, you will be on the next bus to regular classdom.

There are 154 students enrolled in concurrent credit in the Greenbrier School District and there are mixed emotions about this helpful, educational tool. Some enjoy brain growth while others think it's simply a waste of time.

"Concurrent-credit programs allow students the opportunity to further their education beyond high school while still in high school," sophomore Jamie Smith concludes.

Jordan Hannick, sophomore, said, "The negative aspect of concurrent credit is that just because it is concurrent credit it does not mean that it is accepted by colleges everywhere."

In Greenbrier this is true, for the concurrent-credit classes that are available are mainly looked at by colleges in the state of Arkansas, such as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Central Arkansas. If you are looking to go to college elsewhere, you will have to take special measures to ensure they look at the concurrent-class grades.

Sophomore Rachel Davey said, "I think it's a great opportunity for high school students to achieve greatness."

(Allison Betancourt is a 10th-grade student at Greenbrier High School taking journalism courses.)