How Denver Area High Schoolers Can Earn College Music Credits Early

For many Denver families, the excitement of a student pursuing a music career is often met with a side of “financial anxiety.” The cost of higher education is a significant hurdle, but there is a powerful way to clear it: Dual Enrollment.

Quick Answer: How to Earn College Music Credits in High School

Denver high schoolers can earn college music credits through Arapahoe Community College’s Concurrent Enrollment program, which allows students in grades 9 – 12 to earn high school and college credits simultaneously with $0 tuition.

Key Facts:

• Cost: Tuition is paid by the school district and the College Opportunity Fund (COF).
• Transferability: Credits are accepted at all four-year public institutions in Colorado.
• Location: Classes are available at local high schools, ACC campuses, or online.

At Arapahoe Community College, our Concurrent Enrollment program allows public high school students in grades 9 – 12 to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. This isn’t just about getting ahead; it’s about saving thousands of dollars while receiving high-level musical instruction.

1. Where Can I Take Music Classes?

We’ve designed the program to be as accessible as possible. Students have three main paths:

• High School Select (@HS): About 90% of our concurrent enrollment courses are offered right at the student’s high school.
• College Select (@ACC): Students can take classes on an ACC campus (Littleton, Castle Rock) or through our virtual/remote and online options.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE): We offer specific academic and career-focused music options through our partnerships in areas like Music Audio Technology and Music Business.

2. How much can I save with Dual Enrollment at ACC?

The most significant benefit for parents is the cost. For participating public high school students, tuition is paid by the school district or charter school and the College Opportunity Fund (COF). This allows students to build a college transcript before they even graduate high school, without the burden of student loans.

3. Will the Credits Transfer?

Yes. Credits earned through ACC’s concurrent enrollment are accepted at all four-year public institutions in Colorado. Whether your student eventually attends a local university or a specialized conservatory, they start with a solid, transferable foundation.

4. How to Get Started

If your student is ready to bridge the gap between high school and a professional music career, follow these 5 steps:

1. Apply to ACC and authorize the College Opportunity Fund (COF). Be sure to contact your high school’s concurrent enrollment department or the ACC concurrent enrollment department if you have any questions or need help getting started.
2. Meet Prerequisites: This can be done via SAT/ACT scores, qualifying high school coursework, or an ACC placement test.
3. Complete the Agreement: Fill out the Concurrent Enrollment Agreement and Registration Form.
4. Activate myACC: Set up the student portal and email account.
5. Orientation: Attend a student orientation before registering for classes or schedule a meeting with me to go over all of the music department options.

Ready to start? Explore the ACC Music Program here or contact me directly to discuss how we can tailor a path for your student.