Students and Families

I always say, I'm an ordinary parent with an extraordinary child. A lot of times, we don't know how to navigate the system in order to get our kids to get to the next level. From the program counselors to the framework that's been set up from the college level all the way down to the high school – it's helped us to be able to get our kids on the path they need to be on. It has given us direction.

Terrence Love

Father of Immanuel Love, Cheyenne High School '23, now attending Wake Forest University

Family of three pose for a photo

Why choose Collegiate Academy?

The Collegiate Academy program provides students with the opportunity to take college-level courses and earn credit from the comfort of their high school. The unique dual credit (also called concurrent enrollment) program implements college-level classes in the high school alongside the student's regular schedule of classes. Our exceptional University faculty work closely with the Collegiate Academy high school teachers to develop a rigorous college curriculum that fits within the high school setting.

Difference from AP/IB credits

Collegiate Academy courses are credit-bearing college-level classes. The coursework mirrors classes that current college students are taking on the University campus. The grade (and earning the credits) is based on the work completed in class. AP and IB courses are used to prepare students for a single high-stakes test – your AP or IB exam score determines whether or not you earn college credit able to be applied at the college or university you attend.

With Collegiate Academy, students get real people, real professors, and real evolving college-level coursework. 

The Collegiate Academy impact

Collegiate Academy students and families experience several added benefits of the program:

  • Collegiate Academy high school students get a sense of what college classes and teaching methods are really like and most importantly, that they have what it takes to be successful at a Tier 1 University.
  • Once completed, students graduate high school with as many as 15 credits on their college transcript that may be seamlessly used at the University of Nevada, Reno or transferred to many other colleges and universities state and nationwide.
  • The Collegiate Academy head start can shorten the amount of time it takes students to earn their college degree. Paired with the low cost of Collegiate Academy credits, college becomes much more affordable and achievable.
  • From University events to consistent and personal communication between University faculty, high school teachers and families, Collegiate Academy participants have access to a network of support that better prepares both students and their families for college life.

Students believing they can and will be successful in college is a big step in breaking down accessibility barriers for students whose families may not have higher education experiences.