Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyPHOENIX -- Officials say a record number of students across the Valley are participating in dual enrollment programs this school year.
Dual enrollment offers students the opportunity to acquire both high school and college credit through just one class.
"It's a win-win situation," said Larry Strom, the math department chair at
Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee. "A win for parents, a win for students, a win for the school, a win for the state."
Desert Vista High School partnered with
Rio Salado College to offer dual enrollment classes.
Teachers such as Strom undergo special training and, as a result, students in his class get credit in both institutions.
"(Dual enrollment classes) are more challenging," said senior Marc McAndrew. "They get you ready for college rigor."
Desert Vista represents one of 53 high schools taking part in dual enrollment this year with more than 7,000 students participating Valley-wide.
"It fits nicely into what we want here at Desert Vista High," said Principal Dr. Anna Battle.
"It's the rigor of college while they're in high school," said E.J. Anderson, Coordinator of Dual Enrollment at Rio Salado College.
Some dual enrollment students have graduated high school with 60 college credits.
The credits can then transfer to Arizona State University or the University of Arizona.
An estimated 90 percent of colleges and universities outside the state of Arizona accept dual enrollment credits as well.
"In college, you'll save a lot of money," said senior Maggie Delaney. "If you get enough credits to become a sophomore, that's a whole year of savings you could spend on something else.
