August 17, 2023 - Timpson ISD students are getting a head start at their college careers through Timpson’s dual credit program. Timpson ISD partners with Panola Junior College to offer students the chance to take college classes 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. 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. “There are classes that are true dual credit,” Metcalf said. “They receive high school credit and college credit for the courses.”
Jerrod Campbell, high school principal, also oversees dual credit enrollment at TISD. “The dual credit program is an opportunity for kids to receive credit for their high school classes to graduate, and at the same time obtain college credit hours,” Campbell said. “The end goal is for them to achieve their associate degree.”
While many school districts offer dual credit courses, Timpson ISD goes the extra mile. The district ensures that students have the best possible experience with the program and possess the tools to succeed in their classes. 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 do well.
“We’re able to offer them structure and guidance that they wouldn’t have if they just went straight to college after high school,” Metcalf said. The TISD dual credit program serves as a great first step in students’ college careers.
Timpson ISD also covers the entire cost of the dual credit courses so students are able to take college classes at no cost to them. “We pay for it, so we feel like it’s almost offering them scholarships while they’re in high school,” Metcalf said. “They can get a jump on their college career with support.”
With the cost of college tuition rising, Timpson is providing students with a unique opportunity to advance their college career without the financial burden. “Some people may not have the financial resources to be able to go to school,” Campbell said. “We’re able to help them receive an associate degree for free.”
Students are introduced to the dual credit process beginning in 7th and 8th grade, so that by the time they are taking the courses in high school they are familiar with their classroom structure and expectations. “One of the big things is the support and guidance offered not only from administration, but from teachers out of this office,” Metcalf said.
Timpson also differs from other school districts by allowing students to begin dual credit courses earlier in their high school career. At Timpson ISD, students can take dual credit classes as early as 9th grade. “There are a lot of places that don’t allow students to take their dual credit classes until they’re juniors,” Campbell said. “We allow them, if they can pass the TSI, to start taking classes as freshmen.”
According to Panola College, roughly 37% of Timpson high school students are currently enrolled in dual credit courses this year. In comparison, other Shelby County school districts of similar size each have less than 23% of students enrolled in dual credit courses. “We usually run anywhere from 70-80 kids that are enrolled in classes,” Campbell said. “It’s impressive.”
In 2023, 10 students out of 43 graduated from TISD with an associate degree. This year, 17 out of 57 graduates are expected to finish high school with an associate degree. “We’ve really been pushing it for the last 6 or 7 years and it’s really taken off,” Campbell said. “The parents have responded well to it, and a lot of kids have responded well to it.”
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,” Metcalf said.
