College Credit Opportunities: Concurrent Enrollment

College Credit Opportunities Expanding at ISD 728 High Schools

ISD 728 is significantly expanding its college course offerings to complement the already available courses in Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment and Articulated Credit courses currently available with a clear goal in mind. 

In the next few years we encourage that any student who is interested and meets the requirements to complete the entire 40-credit Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) during high school. This allows students to earn a full year (or more) of college credit without ever leaving their home high school.

College Courses Offered at ISD 728

NEW College Courses Highlighted in Yellow

• Advanced Marketing/DECA 4 (ERHS & RHS only)
• College Advanced Composition
• College Algebra 
• College Composition
• College Concepts of Chemistry
• College Government & Policies
• College Intermediate Spanish Language & Culture I
• College Intermediate Spanish Language & Culture II
• College Intro to Communication
• College Intro to Education
• College Intro to Psychology (ERHS only)
• College Multicultural Literature
• College Music Appreciation
• College Pre-Calculus
• College US History
• College World History
• French 102 - Elementary French I
• French 201 - Int. French I
• German 102 - Elementary German I
• German 201 - Int. German I
• Human Physiology, Technology & Medical Devices
• Construction Trades (House Build at ERHS)

Meets the General Education Requirements

If a student completes the entire 40-credit MnTC package, it is guaranteed to transfer as a "whole block" to any Minnesota State university or University of Minnesota campus. This means that the receiving college would not require the student to retake general education courses; they are officially "done" with their lower-division requirements. Several Some private colleges, Wisconsin public universities, and North Dakota public universities also accept this block transfer.

Teacher Support

College In the School (CIS) and Advanced Placement (AP) taught by ISD 728 high school teachers, benefitting the students via easier access to instruction and consultation, along with location.

• Personalized Support: Unlike college professors who may have hundreds of students, your high school teacher sees you every day and understands your learning style.
• Safety Net: Students receive college-level rigor with a high-school level of support. Teachers are available for help and can offer the guidance needed to navigate difficult material.
• Familiar Environment: Students stay connected to their peers, extracurriculars, and high school community while proving they can succeed at the college level.
• Parents continue to have access to students' grades when taken at the local high school. 

The Power of Dual Credit (Two for One)

College in the Schools (CIS) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide "dual credit." This means a single course satisfies two requirements at once:

• High School Graduation: Fulfills one of the 43 credits required by ISD 728.
• College Degree: Earns 1–5 college credits that apply toward a bachelor’s degree or associate degree.

Multiple Pathways: CIS & AP Courses

Students at ISD 728 high schools have two primary ways to earn these credits on campus:

• Concurrent Enrollment (CIS): Credits are earned by passing the class (partners include Pine Technical, St. Cloud State, and University of Minnesota). These appear on an official college transcript immediately.
• Advanced Placement (AP): Students earn college credit by scoring a 3 or higher on the year-end AP Exam. Minnesota law requires all public colleges to award credit for scores of 3 or above.

Financial Savings

• A typical university credit costs between $300 and $600+. 
• The benefit: By completing credits during high school CIS or AP (which are free to the student), families can save between a significant amount of money in future tuition, fees, and book costs.

The 10 Minnesota Transfer Goal Areas

To complete the curriculum, students earn credits across these ten competency areas:

• Communication (Writing and Speaking)
• Critical Thinking
• Natural Sciences
• Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
• History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
• The Humanities and Fine Arts
• Human Diversity
• Global Perspective
• Ethical and Civic Responsibility
• People and the Environment

Pro-Tips for ISD 728 Students

• Double-Dipping: Many courses count for two goal areas at once 
• Transcript Notation: Once all 40 credits are earned via a mix of CIS and AP, the student's college transcript will be marked "MnTC Completed."
• Transferology: Visit transferology.com see exactly how your AP scores and CIS credits will count at colleges across the country.