Do you have to be in High School to take community college courses?

Question

I am now home schooled, in eighth grade and am interested in taking a few community college courses. I am fully capable of taking college courses but my parents say I have to be in high school to take them. Is this true? If this is uncommon, would I have to be tested to make sure I have the aptitude to take these courses? Thanks.

Answer 1

Another option for you to consider is to attend educational camp(s) during the summer that offer college credit.

If you are interested in digital photography, videography, web design and related stuff - check out Stanford DMA program. Goodle it.

There are bunches of others... with a few weeks of intense on-campus work you can have fun and earn a few college credits.

This might be a good way to "get your feet wet."

Answer 2

12 yr old children have been accepted to some of the better colleges in the world. You should check with the admission office at the college.

Answer 3

yes it is unless you do a on line school my son is in 8Th grade and he is in the morning Star Academy so check into that its a great school you can get your high school diploma from there too and a scholarship

Answer 4

You can check, but usually it is called "Dual Enrollment".  Mainly for High School Juniors and Seniors who want to get some college credit while in High School.

The college usually requires some form of proof of advanced studies and may require an ACT, SAT, or placement testing for subjects such as Math and English before accepting you.

It never hurts to ask...the worst they can say is, come back later.

Answer 5

You should call the community college and find out their policies. Those policies will not necessarily apply to all community colleges.

Answer 6

Go talk to your guidance counslors I went to college l in 9th grade. You might have to wait till then. But it isn't that uncommon. Lots of people do it. I finished my AA degree at the same time I got my highschool diploma. You might have to take some sort of test to see where they need to place you. But if you have perfect SAT scores you might not have to take the test. I don't know, but good luck, and keep up the Good Work!!

Answer 7

My son is 10 and will be taking a community college course in the fall.  He's HS'ed.  Our CC only requires a math and English exam for admittance and placement.  The Math test is equivalent to a middle school level.  Those that score low are placed in non-credit, remedial classes.  Even if you start with those (the lowest our CC has is equal to 7th grade math), you would still gain valuable experience and could work your way up to credit classes before you'd be the typical age for college.

If you look at your local CC's website, it probably says something like the minimum age is 16 - and only if a student has a gifted IEP at their school.  All you have to do is talk to them about it, especially given your awesome SAT scores.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

I live in california and the person above me is wrong. You can be in 8th grade, you don't HAVE to be a junior in high school. I am a freshman, and in my mom's math class, there is an 8th grader. You have to fill out a petition and talk to the school to see if they would let you in. They probably will based on what you have said. Good luck! I will be taking college courses starting the summer (before my SOPHOMORE year).

Answer 9

well - the way you worded the question - there are 2 isues

1) will your parents allow it

2) will the community college allow it.

the rules may be different at different community colleges.

How about going to the local CCs website, find the CONTACT US page, and ask them specifically if you meet their requirements or not.

Answer 10

there are some colleges that have PSEO programs but the requirements are different for all colleges

Answer 11

Im not sure where you live but here in cali, you can not enter college until you are a junior in high school and at least the age of 16 sometimes they wave the age but the high school junior is a must, you might want to call your local community college and ask them what grade you must be in.