In the past, dual enrollment gave students the opportunity for high school credits, college credits, and an increase in GPA. However, the face of dual enrollment is changing and the school board is cutting back on its advantages.

One of the main changes is the lack of variety. While in the past, students could take classes beyond high school requirements, even earning college credits, now students can only take credits required for high school graduation.

“In the past, students were taking classes that were beyond the 26 required credits to graduate. Technically the school district was paying for their college education,” guidance counselor Charlotte Barolet said. “With funding now, it is very difficult and not a financially good practice.”

Students are no longer allowed to enroll in elective college classes if they have fulfilled their elective credit requirement for high school graduation. Students can not get ahead in curriculum through dual enrollment if they already have enough credits to graduate, but the same benefits can be acquired by taking AP courses.

“I took dual enrollment classes this year for college credit, and it made choosing classes for next year harder knowing I can’t receive any more college credit,” junior Joey Schulz said.

The other change is that students can no longer dual enroll during any period they wish. Now, dual enrollment will only be during fifth or sixth periods. If a student is only taking one dual enrollment course, it will be assigned for sixth period, and if a student takes two, they are assigned for fifth and sixth periods.

While some students are deciding dual enrollment is not worth the trouble anymore, others still decide to give it a try.

“I chose to take dual enrollment because it helps me get the experience of being on the college campus,” sophomore Kendra Baird said. “There are so many benefits that would help me in the long run.”

As dual enrollment continues to change throughout the years, the pros and cons change as well, but students still have the power to choose the curriculum path that suits them best.