College is expensive, and so is housing. Roll some college-level
work into a student’s last years in high school and both parents
and students can get ahead of the game.

Students learn about the expectations of college level academics
and earn some credits to transfer while finishing high school.

Arapahoe Community College and the Douglas County School
District scheduled three evening talks, one each in Highlands
Ranch, Parker and Castle Rock to explain the new College Ready
Program to students and parents.

The College Ready information nights are:

Jan. 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Highlands Ranch High School for
students attending Mountain Vista, Highlands Ranch, ThunderRidge
and Rock Canyon high schools

Jan 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Castle View High School for
students attending Castle View and Douglas County high schools

Jan. 22, 6 to 7 p.m. at Legend High School for students
attending Ponderosa, Legend and Chaparral high schools.

During the information nights, students and their parents will
learn about the College Ready program, how to apply, including a
test, which helps students identify their academic strengths in
writing, reading and mathematics. College level reading ability is
recommended for all courses.

Glen March, career and technical education coordinator for
Douglas County schools, said the program helps students prepare for
college.

“I think this opportunity gives students the chance to try
college work in a safer environment, as well as beginning their
college career sooner,” March said.

Students may transfer their college credits to many public
two-year or four-year colleges or universities, but students should
check with their accepting institutions for credit acceptance and
applicability. The courses are offered during the day in Douglas
County schools and are built into the students’ regular high school
schedules. Students must be approved by their high school counselor
to participate.

To find out more about the College Ready information nights,
contact John Hamilton at 303-797-5085, or Glen March with the
school district at 303-734-3871.