Earn High School Credit & A Degree

Get a head start on your future by earning actual college credits while completing high school—saving thousands in tuition and graduating with a competitive advantage.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Earn High School Credit & A Degree

Get a head start on your future by earning actual college credits while completing high school—saving thousands in tuition and graduating with a competitive advantage.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1mil+

Course options available to every student.

15+

Years serving families in personalized learning.

100,000

Total students have chosen an open education.

A Unique Opportunity

Motivated students can take real college courses through our university partners.

Save Time

Graduate high school with college credits already completed.

Save Money

Our Early College program costs significantly less than traditional college tuition.

Gain Confidence

Experience college-level work in a supportive environment.

What is Early College?

We've made the process straightforward: you'll take college courses from our university partners and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

Here's How It Works:

  • For example, instead of taking 11th grade US History, you take USH 100 with one of our university partners
  • You satisfy your high school graduation requirement
  • And you earn credits toward degrees offered by our university partners

No complicated rules or hidden catches—just a smart way to make your high school years count twice.

Tuition: $5,000 per year
(all-inclusive with no hidden fees)

Complete Support Every Step of the Way

We understand that navigating college courses can feel intimidating, especially if you're the first in your family to pursue higher education. That's why we provide:

  • Regular check-ins to ensure you're on track
  • A dedicated educational guide to help select appropriate courses
  • Assistance with college-level study skills and expectations

Your success is our priority—we'll be with you at every stage of the journey.

Included in Your Tuition

Your tuition includes everything you need to thrive—no hidden fees or surprise charges.

In addition to choosing core and elective curriculum, every student gains access to premium educational platforms that support learning:

  • Exact Path: Personalized learning pathways in math, reading, and language arts
  • Study Island: Standards-based practice, assessment, and test preparation
  • BrainPOP: Engaging animated content across all subjects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: Industry-standard creative tools for digital art and design
  • And more — Generation Genius, Gizmos, Microsoft 365, Newsela ELA, and more

PLUS through our exclusive partnership with Outschool, every Academy student receives $100 in Free Outschool Credits to access thousands of live, interactive classes taught by passionate educators.

College Partners and Degree Pathways

OpenEd Academy students can earn credits toward associate and bachelor's degrees through our partnerships with respected institutions.

Southern New Hampshire University's Competency-Based Education (SNHU-CBE)

OC Online via Oklahoma Christian University

Early College FAQs

Find answers to your questions about contacting OpenEd and our services.

Who qualifies for the Early College program?

The program is open to motivated high school students ready for college-level work. We'll help assess readiness and recommend the appropriate path.

Are these real college courses?

Yes! These are the exact same courses taken by traditional college students, with the same curriculum, instructors, and credit value.

Will these credits actually transfer?

The transferability of competency-based credit depends upon the receiving institution’s policies and procedures. Please keep your final educational goals in mind when choosing to participate in an Early College Credit program.

Is this the same as AP or dual enrollment at a high school?

This program offers advantages over typical AP or high school dual enrollment. You'll earn official college transcripts from accredited universities, not just placement credit or community college courses.

What if my family didn't attend college?

That's perfectly fine! Many of our most successful students are the first in their families to pursue college. Our team provides extra guidance to make sure the experience is accessible and understandable.

Sample Learning Plans

Want to see what a personalized plan might look for your child?

Early College / Age 16-18 - Self-directed student pursuing Communications degree pathway

Core Academic Development

Build essential college-level skills in critical thinking, research methods, and persuasive writing through competency-based projects in SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Communication Foundations

Develop fundamental theories of communication and understanding of how the field has evolved through project-based learning in the SNHU Communications program

Media Creation & Analysis

Master technical skills for creating professional media content across multiple platforms using Adobe Creative Cloud and guided by SNHU's communication curriculum

Organizational Communication

Analyze how communication functions within businesses and organizations through competency-based projects and supplemental resources from BrainPOP and Newsela

Presentation & Public Speaking

Develop oral presentation skills and learn to create compelling presentations that meet organizational goals through SNHU projects and Microsoft 365 Online

Global Media & Intercultural Communication

Explore how global media shapes contemporary society and develop cross-cultural communication strategies through SNHU competency-based coursework

Extras:

  • Research current communication trends and developments with Newsela ELA
  • Create a documentary short film on a community issue with Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Tutoring: Project-based learning support, presentation coaching
  • Support: Weekly check-ins with mentor, communication career pathway planning, portfolio development
Early College / Age 16-18 - Entrepreneurial student pursuing Management degree pathway

Core Academic Development

Develop college-level skills in business analysis, decision-making, and professional communication through SNHU's Bachelor of Arts in Management program

Management Fundamentals

Build understanding of organizational behavior, team dynamics, and leadership approaches through competency-based projects in the SNHU Management program

Business Ethics & Law

Explore legal and ethical frameworks for business decision-making through real-world case studies and applications in the SNHU curriculum

Financial Analysis for Managers

Master fundamental accounting principles and learn to interpret financial statements for management decisions through SNHU projects and Microsoft 365 Online

Marketing & Brand Development

Learn to apply marketing principles and brand-building strategies through practical projects in the SNHU Management pathway with support from Adobe Creative Cloud

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Develop entrepreneurial mindset and apply design thinking to identify consumer-focused solutions through SNHU competency-based projects and Own It! resources

Extras:

  • Practice drafting a business plan with Microsoft 365 Online
  • Research current management trends and business developments with Newsela ELA
  • Tutoring: Tutoring for Business Law
  • Support: Weekly check-ins with OpenEd mentor, business pathway planning, startup incubation resources
Early College / Age 16-18 - Analytical student pursuing General Studies with STEM focus

Core Academic Development

Build essential college-level research, writing, and critical thinking skills through competency-based projects in SNHU's Associate in Arts General Studies program

Quantitative Reasoning

Develop advanced problem-solving abilities and learn to use spreadsheet applications for data analysis through SNHU mathematics competencies and Microsoft 365 Online

Scientific Inquiry & Analysis

Master scientific reasoning and evaluate logical arguments through competency-based projects supplemented with interactive simulations from Gizmos

Technology & Innovation

Evaluate emerging technologies and apply data analysis techniques in areas of professional interest through SNHU projects and Legends of Learning

Ethical Decision-Making

Explore ethical frameworks and examine how identity, culture, and values influence decision-making through SNHU competencies and resources from Newsela ELA

Professional Development & Identity

Create plans for professional growth and develop networking strategies through competency-based projects enhanced with Own It! resources

Extras:

  • Create a unique student profile through 10 engaging Own it! units
  • Synthesize current research using Newsela ELA on medical applications of nanotechnology, identifying patterns, and contradictions.
  • Tutoring: 1:1 tutoring as needed for advanced science support
  • Support: Healthcare college pathway planning, Internship exploration

Ready to Design Your High School Experience?

Apply now to create a high school journey that prepares you for your unique future.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.