Sixty-one high school students to graduate with Associate of Arts degrees from Idaho State University-Meridian

“The College of Arts and Letters is very proud of all of our high school general studies students and all of their accomplishments,” said College of Arts and Letters Dean Kandi Turley-Ames. “We look forward to them continuing their studies at ISU.”

These students begin taking classes during their junior year of high school, some as early as sophomore year. The classes fit the general education requirements for ISU, and count as high school credits to receive their diploma. This program helps students get a jump on college classes, and help them be prepared for the next level.

 “This program helps create the college-going atmosphere in students and helps them be prepared for success at the next level,” Dana Gaudet, admissions advisor at ISU-Meridian. “It does a lot for us and for them at the same time.”

Jillian Christiansen is one of the students who will be graduating with her Associate of Arts degree and high school diploma at the same time. She will begin school at ISU in the fall and pursue a degree in international studies.

“I worked extremely hard at times to get assignments completed as well as keep my grades where I wanted them,” Christiansen said about taking college classes in high school. “I am very excited to be graduating high school with my A.A. degree because now I don't have to worry about general education requirements, and I can focus on my major right away.”

So far, 16 students from Renaissance High School have registered to attend classes at ISU in the fall.