Course requests for the 2026–2027 school year are approaching, and one option giving students an academic advantage is the Austin Community College (ACC) Dual Credit program. The program allows students to take college-level classes that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements.

College and Career Transition Coordinator Chriss Hexter said the program’s benefits for students extend beyond academics.

“The primary benefit of kiddos taking those dual credit classes in high school is, of course, to meet their high school graduation requirement,” Hexter said. “The secondary benefit is that they are also earning those college requirements, getting credits toward their university and saving a lot of money.”

Cedar Park offers two on-campus dual credit classes: social studies and English, which are double-blocked for juniors and seniors. Students can also take other classes independently over the summer or during ACC study hall. To qualify, students must demonstrate college readiness through the TSI or SAT.

Senior Skylar McFarland said the classes have already helped prepare for college.

“The classes have benefitted me by being able to have a lighter course load when I get to college,” McFarland said. “Through the cohorts we are in, I will have done all of my history and English, and then through ACC study hall I have taken extra elective classes that have also helped.”

Hexter said that students should consider dual credit when planning next year’s courses, even if it is only one class.

“Saving families money, saving kids money, while they are also earning those credits for graduation—that is the goal,” Hexter said.