College Credits Without Leaving Campus

At Richfield High School, we offer a unique opportunity for students to earn college credits while still in high school through the College in the Schools (CIS) program. A collaboration with the University of Minnesota, CIS allows students to experience a college-level curriculum right in their own classrooms. Not only does this prepare them for the rigors of higher education, but it also helps to ease the transition from high school to college by familiarizing students with the expectations and responsibilities they will encounter.

We offer a variety of CIS courses, including History, Math, Science and Literature options. Our Climate Crisis: Implementing Solutions course has been popular for many years and made headlines by creating solar suitcases for the We Share Solar project and working on the school’s aquaponics project. 2022 graduate Angel Sanchez said the CIS Climate Crisis course was one of his favorites while at RHS. “The class and the material itself,” he explained, “gave great insight about the impending danger the planet faces if we do not come together to stop global warming.”

Another class that students can enroll in is Exploring the Teaching Profession. “In this course, students learn about teaching as a profession by taking an in-depth look into the important and complex work teachers do. “One requirement of this course is that students spend one hour a week as a Teaching Assistant in an elementary school classroom,” explained Dr. Kathryn Wegner, who teaches the course. “For many students, this is a transformative experience that inspires them to consider a career in education.”

CIS courses emphasize support and mentorship. Instructors for CIS courses are experienced high school teachers who have undergone specialized training to teach college-level content. This dual approach ensures that students receive college-level instruction while benefiting from the supportive environment of their high school. 

Participation in the College in the Schools program provides significant financial benefits to families. By earning college credits while still in high school, students can save on tuition costs and reduce the time it takes to complete a college degree. The credits earned through CIS are transferable to many colleges and universities, making this program a smart choice for students planning their academic futures.

During the 2023-24 school year, 256 Richfield High School students participated in CIS courses, earning a combined total of 1,958 University of Minnesota credits, which equates to $1,226,610.00 in saved tuition money.

By blending high school and college experiences, CIS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. With its rigorous curriculum, dedicated instructors, and cost-saving advantages, CIS is paving the way for a brighter future for our students. Whether students are looking to jumpstart their college education or simply challenge themselves academically, CIS offers an invaluable opportunity worth exploring.

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CIS At-A-Glance

• CIS courses are University of Minnesota courses but are taught at Richfield High School by our faculty. Currently, 12 of our teachers are certified to teach CIS courses. 
• If students earn a passing grade, their credit is recorded on an official University of Minnesota transcript which is fully recognized by many colleges and universities across the country. 
• CIS courses are free, providing access to college credit without the typical hefty price tag. 
• Passing CIS courses in high school can mean going into college ready to skip ahead and maybe even graduate early. 
• Learn more on the University of Minnesota website. 

Additional opportunities to earn college credit in high school include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which require an exam to earn college credit, as well as Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) courses which are taken on college campuses. Learn more on our website.

However, students do it, earning college credits for free while in high school is a great way for students to invest in their futures!

Additional opportunities to earn college credit in high school include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are open to 9-12 grade students and require an exam to get college credit, as well as Post-secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) courses which are taken on college campuses. Learn more here: Earning College Credits - Richfield Public Schools (richfieldschools.org)