The University of Nevada, Reno’s Collegiate Academy program has earned accreditation through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), making the University the first and only higher education institution in Nevada with an accredited concurrent enrollment program.
NACEP is a national organization that ensures college courses taught by high school teachers are as rigorous as courses offered on the sponsoring campus, working toward a future in which all secondary students have equitable access to quality college courses to support their postsecondary goals. Earning NACEP accreditation signifies that an institution has met the highest level of excellence in the design, oversight and evaluation of its concurrent enrollment program across several key areas. Nationwide, there are now 136 NACEP-accredited programs, spanning 27 states.
“NACEP accreditation is the gold standard in the United States for concurrent enrollment and cements the University of Nevada's status of providing the highest quality college coursework to high school students in Nevada,” said University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval. “Our collegiate scholars continue to demonstrate that they can succeed in taking college-level courses while in high school and have set themselves on a path for a limitless future.”
Accreditation is awarded following a comprehensive peer review by a team of experienced representatives from NACEP-accredited programs. Reviewers commended the University for its “quick substantial growth in both scale and impact and the good work that you do.”
Statewide, 38 high schools participated in the program during the 2025-26 academic year, with more than 7,700 students enrolled. The program began in the 2021-22 school year in just two high schools – Cheyenne High School and Centennial High School – following a request for programming from the Clark County School District superintendent. Since then, Collegiate Academy has expanded across the state at the request of school districts, now operating in Clark, Washoe, Lyon and Elko counties. Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, four additional high schools will join the program: Pyramid Lake, Reno, Wooster and Indian Spring High Schools.
“I commend the University of Nevada, Reno for achieving NACEP standards, which ensure that Nevada high school students in concurrent enrollment programs receive education of the same quality and rigor as college students,” said Nevada Gov. Joe Lomabardo. “Students who meet the same achievement standards as their college peers will be better equipped for their future careers upon graduation, supporting my education agenda’s core strategies on workforce development, career readiness, and lowering higher education costs.”
Through the Collegiate Academy, students earn college credits at a reduced cost while still in their high school classrooms. The credits can be applied at the University of Nevada, Reno or transferred to many other colleges and universities throughout the state and nation. The program uses the current University of Nevada, Reno curriculum and coursework as University faculty work together with high school teachers, meeting regularly to fine-tune lesson plans, review coursework and collaborate on student success strategies. The partnership combines the subject-matter expertise of the University faculty with the instructional ability of high school educators.
“The Collegiate Academy is successful thanks to the deep commitment of our faculty and high school teachers and the collaboration with the school districts, said University of Nevada, Reno Executive Vice President and Provost Jeff Thompson. “Together, their dedication to the success of students in Nevada high schools ensures that a high-quality educational pathway is attainable.”
This year, 40 University of Nevada, Reno courses were offered across subjects in English, mathematics, economics, psychology, world languages, political science, education, chemistry and more.
Legislative and educational leaders from around Nevada have lauded the Collegiate Academy’s success in creating equitable education for high school students, further fulfilling the University’s mission as a land-grant institution. Institutions that have received the NACEP accreditation represent some of the strongest and most intentional partnerships in the nation and demonstrate a deep commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
“This NACEP accreditation strengthens Nevada’s education-to-workforce pipeline,” said Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. “The University of Nevada, Reno Collegiate Academy helps families reduce costs and helps students build the skills and momentum needed to succeed in college and career.”
Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert commended the partnership and the impact on all Nevada students.
“Students throughout the Clark County School District are benefiting from a challenging and impactful post-secondary experience through the University of Nevada, Reno Collegiate Academy program. Earning NACEP accreditation is a significant milestone that reflects the program's high standards and our shared commitment in advancing college readiness and opportunity for students," Ebert said.
