Plans are underway at North Lake College in Irving to launch a new collegiate academy to offer incoming ninth-graders in Irving and across Dallas County the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and college degree in two years, tuition free. The North Lake Collegiate Academy, a partnership of North Lake College and Dallas ISD, will offer courses and career pathways in public service, criminal justice and business administration.
Parents and students from Irving and across the metroplex can obtain details at two information sessions planned for 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, at North Lake, 1081 W. Shady Grove Rd. in Irving.
North Lake College President Christa Slejko said the college looks forward to receiving the new students.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for more high school students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time,” she said. “The collegiate academy is a great option for students within our community, and we look forward to welcoming these new Blazers to our North Lake family this fall.”
Dallas ISD Principal Chase McLaurin, who will serve as administrator of the new program, says attending high school on a college campus is a major attraction for students who will in one sense be able to jump directly from middle school to college.
“I think the location is important for students,” he said. “Being on a college campus helps students realize that their dreams of going to college are real, possible, and coming true. This is a game changer for students and opens up a whole new world of opportunities.”
Incoming freshmen interested in attending the new academy can apply online through Jan. 31 at dallasisd.org/yourchoices. For more detailed information on the North Lake Collegiate Academy, visit dallasisd.org/northlakecollegiate.
Since their inception in 2016, Dallas ISD’s collegiate academies have become a niche for highly motivated students whose families recognize the value of their student graduating with both a high school diploma and up to 60 hours of college credit or an associate degree at no personal cost to their families. The schools are a partnership of Dallas ISD and the Dallas County Community College District, which share faculty and curriculum and allow juniors and seniors to take classes on a college campus. This tuition-free opportunity offers families the potential to save up to $40,000 in college tuition plus the opportunity for students to earn credit in their chosen career pathway and gain hands-on experience and mentoring from industry partners connected to each program.
