As the Monticello School District ushers in a new academic year each September, the spotlight turns to the remarkable efforts invested in crafting robust dual enrollment opportunities for students and their families. Since 2012, the district has steadfastly championed this initiative, carving pathways to higher education.
With an enrollment of 103 students in the high school, it might seem improbable that they would have access to a curriculum as expansive as college Pre-Calculus, Calculus, College Writing 101 & 201, College Literature 250, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, and Spanish IV, amounting to an impressive 14 credits.
Yet, the offerings don't end there. Monticello School District, in collaboration with Blackhawk Tech, extends the educational horizon with an additional seven trade classes. This dynamic combination paints a vivid picture of why the class of 2023 Monticello graduates proudly carried a staggering 303 transcripted credits before venturing into the realm of post-secondary education.
This feat stands as a testament to the dedicated efforts of their students and educators alike. It launches their graduates into higher education with a solid foundation, priming them for future success. The Monticello community takes great pride in their achievements and remains committed to nurturing this tradition of excellence.
Monticello has built this model for rural schools by working with their dedicated staff to become or remain dual credit certified. They also leverage technology and work directly and get instructors from UW Oshkosh and Blackhawk Tech.
Ultimately, these options increase educational opportunities allowing high school students to enroll in college-level courses and provide them with a broader range of educational opportunities, which can be especially valuable in rural areas where there may be fewer course offerings.
They also believe that it improves college readiness and helps students become better prepared for the academic rigors of college. This can lead to higher college enrollment rates and greater success once they reach college.
The cost savings and economic benefits are real and have true value. At only $105 or less for each credit many dollars stay in the community with those families. Even better, for years, the Monticello Board of Education incentivises these classes by reimbursing families 50% of tuition for students who achieve 95% or better in dual enrollment classes. There is also a tremendous unrealized value in students entering college for purposes of early registration and early graduation.
The school district realized unintended consequences in the retention and attraction of students in search of dual enrollment classes and a more customized education. Other unintended consequences include student engagement, motivation and expectations which have led to higher academic achievement and performance.
Finally, Monticello students are often rewarded with tremendous community support. The 23 students in the 2024 graduating class earned over $172,350 in scholarships last spring. Most of which were awarded to students that took advantage of and participated in a variety of dual enrollment options. To say that they have a headstart on peers both financially and academically is an understatement.
In conclusion, Monticello's model for dual enrollment programs is a success story for a rural school district. It not only offers students a broader educational experience but also contributes to their college readiness and future success. Moreover, the program has positive economic and community impacts, making it a valuable investment in the growth and development of the local community.