The state of Maine provides the opportunity for all public high school students to earn up to 12 college credits per year tuition-free. The Auburn School Department will pay for or reimburse families for the cost of required textbooks and some fees associated with courses.
3 or 4 credit college courses count as 1 high school credit. College courses can count toward graduation requirements.
Students who demonstrate exceptional time management skills and academic work habits are typically successful in early college courses. ELHS has no oversight of college courses, so the student and family must be prepared to ensure that course syllabi are followed and all assignments are completed independently and on time.
Students can take introductory 100-level courses (and some 200-level) that have no pre-requisites. Some colleges will not permit early college students to take accelerated courses (those taking place over a 6 or 7-week time period or half-semester).
Adding early college courses to a student's high school program can be a great way to earn free college credits, adapt to the rigor of college academics, and increase their knowledge and understanding of various subjects. Please see your school counselor to talk about early college!