Resources for High School Students

Take College Classes in High School

Iowa Valley Community College District, including Marshalltown Community College (MCC), Ellsworth Community College (ECC), and Iowa Valley Grinnell, partners with local school districts to give high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

Through these programs, you can take college-level classes and earn both high school and college credit at the same time, at no cost to you or your family.

Where can I take classes?

You have several options:

• At your high school through the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)
• On an Iowa Valley campus (MCC, ECC, or Grinnell)
• Online

No matter where you take them, these are the same college-level courses taught by qualified instructors and designed to transfer to most colleges and universities.

What is Concurrent Enrollment (CEP)?

Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) courses are college classes taught at your high school by instructors who are approved to teach college curriculum.

This is just one way to take college classes. Students can also choose to take courses on campus or online depending on what works best for their schedule.

How to Get Started

Getting started is simple:

1. Talk to your high school counselor
   • They’ll help you explore your options and create a plan.
2. Check your eligibility
   • Some courses may require:
     • A certain grade level (usually junior or senior)
     • Prerequisite classes
     • Placement test scores
3. Register through your high school
   • Your counselor will guide you through the enrollment process.

Why Take College Classes in High School?

• Save Money
  • Earn college credit at no cost, saving thousands in future tuition.
• Get Ahead
  • Students who take college classes in high school often:
    • Earn higher grades in college
    • Graduate faster
    • Have more flexibility to explore majors or add minors
• Explore Careers
  • Career Academy programs allow you to:
    • Gain real-world experience
    • Explore career pathways
    • Earn industry-recognized certifications (in select programs)

Plan For Success

The earlier you start planning, the more opportunities you’ll have. Work with your counselor to build college courses into your four-year high school plan.

Questions?

Your high school counselor is your best first resource. You can also contact Iowa Valley for more information:

Allie Osmundson 
3700 South Center Street Marshalltown, Iowa 50158
641-844-5702 | 1-866-622-4748
Allie.Osmundson@iavalley.edu