June 18, 2024 - 30 percent of Timpson ISD seniors graduated in May with their associates degrees in addition to their high school diplomas.
Through Timpson ISD’s dual credit partnership with Panola College, TISD offers students the opportunity to take college classes for free while still in high school.
Students at Timpson ISD can begin taking dual credit classes their freshman year and continue all throughout their high school career. The THS seniors who graduated with an associates degree collectively earned over 1,000 college credit hours at no additional cost to them.
Whether 2024 graduates chose to build off of their established foundation at Panola College, or traveled to larger universities like Texas A&M, most if not all of their college credit hours that they earned transferred and were applied directly to their degree plan. Timpson ISD maximizes the amount of transferable credits to reduce the cost of college for students.
While many school districts offer dual credit courses, TISD offers individualized support for dual credit students by providing a separate class period and a monitor who will help them develop the skills they need to thrive in their college classes.
Charlotte Metcalf is the high school counselor and dual credit coordinator at Timpson ISD. She guides students through the ins and outs of the dual credit process and provides the support necessary for students’ success.
“We’re able to offer them structure and guidance that they wouldn’t have if they just went straight to college after high school,” Mrs. Metcalf said. The TISD dual credit program serves as a great first step in students’ college careers.
In addition to an individualized experience, Timpson ISD also covers the entire cost of the dual credit courses so students are able to take college classes for free.
“We pay for it, so we feel like it’s almost offering them scholarships while they’re in high school,” Mrs. Metcalf said. “They can get a jump on their college career with support.”
With a record number of seniors who graduated with an associates degree this year, Timpson ISD hopes to continue the dual credit program and is proud to give TISD students a head start with their college careers.
“The ultimate goal is to help change the community in the long run,” Mrs. Metcalf said.
