A partnership between WKU and Kentucky school districts offers dual-credit courses for high school students who want to get a head start on their college classes.

Sam Evans, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, said courses within the college range from Psychology 100 to education courses for high school students who want to enter the field of teaching.

But Evans said the courses are offered in numerous subjects, from about every college within WKU.

The dual credit program is a partnership between the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach and area high schools, according to WKU’s website.

Students who want to take dual credit courses must be either a junior or senior in high school, and must be recommended by their high school principal or counselor for participation in the program, according to the website.

Successful dual credit students usually have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and an attendance rate of at least 90 percent, according to the website.

The courses are available at high schools across the state, Evans said. Some districts accept dual-credit courses from multiple institutions – including WKU – and allow students to choose from the courses.

Jerry Ralston, superintendent for Barren County Schools, said Barren County High School currently holds an agreement with WKU Glasgow where students participate in college courses while still attending high school.

Ralston said students travel to WKU’s Glasgow campus, and WKU professors teach at Barren County High School.

Barren County is entering its fourth year in the partnership, Ralston said.

Ralston said the partnership encourages seniors to do well in their classes, and said the classes benefit students greatly.

WKU was cooperative and helpful when it came time to implement the courses, Ralston said.

He said the partnership is one of the first of its kind in the area.