Partnering for Success - 2026

At Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center we firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities, and what better way to empower Mid-Prairie High School and Mid-Prairie Home School students than by offering them the chance to earn College Credit in High School.

Kirkwood partners with local school districts to offer opportunities for students to enroll part-time in college-level courses. Credits earned through these partnerships count toward a student's high school diploma AND their future college degree - all at no cost to the student or their family!

How has dual credit coursework impacted you as a high school student?

"Kirkwood has impacted my study habits, confirmation of my career path, and college readiness. By learning these impactful tools, I have been able to succeed in my classes in high school and college."

What did CCHS teach you about yourself?

"CCHS taught me that I can push my limits. I have taken classes out of my comfort zone in many different areas where I have socially interacted with new people, taken on three courses at a time, and created schedules to efficiently and effectively learn and complete my courses.

Why should underclassmen try out CCHS?

"Even if a high school student doesn't know what they want to go to school for, CCHS is an opportunity to explore different options through academies or online courses. They will gain a strong sense of study skills, task management, and a stronger understanding of academic studies."

Dual credit courses, which allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, have been associated with several factors that contribute to success after high school graduation. Here are some key connections:

COLLEGE READINESS: Students become better prepared for the rigors of college-level coursework by developing time management and study habits that are crucial for success in higher education.

IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: Studies suggest that students who take dual credit coursework have higher GPA's, increased access to scholarships, and statistically better chance of completing a degree after high school graduation.

TUITION COST SAVINGS: College credit earned in high school is offered with no cost to the student or their families. Most courses are transferable to Kirkwood Community College or other 2 or 4-year colleges, which in turn shortens the time needed to earn a degree with substantial tuition savings.

Let's check in with Naomi Yoder, Mid-Prairie Home School, Class of 2026. Her future plans are still undecided, but she has focused on gaining skills and experiences that will help her figure out what's next.

Why did you decide to participate in College Credit in High School?
"I wanted to do CCHS to gain new experiences and learn in a different way than I was used to. It gave me the opportunity to try hands-on learning and explore areas I was interested in."

What has stood out in your academies?
"I completed the ACE Academy last year and learned a lot about construction. The coursework was interesting and I appreciated my instructor, Aaron McGlynn. I am half way through the Auto Technology Academy. I am learning a lot and the coursework has been more challenging, but it's rewarding to learn new skills."

Q: How has CCHS impacted you?
"CCHS has taught me that I can accomplish things and learn while doing it. I've also learned that I need to communicate with my instructors. They want students to succeed and will give you help when you need it."

Composition I

Exploring Teaching

Composition II

Introduction to Sociology

Pre-Med, Nursing & Professional Health Careers

Agriculture Science

Architecture, Construction, & Engineering (ACE)

Total Liberal Arts Course Registrations in all formats: 133

Avg. College GPA of Mid-Prairie Students in 2024-25: 3.46

Each student is an individual; they have varying responsibilities, learning styles, social needs, and extra-curricular activities. At Kirkwood, we understand that students need options for concurrent enrollment formats. Students can choose CCHS courses in three different formats:

1) REGIONAL CENTER COURSES are face-to-face at the Washington County Regional Center, where students learn in state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. Students who choose this format enjoy a hands-on learning experience and thrive in classes with peers from all seven partner school districts.

2) ALTERNATIVE CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT is offered to students primarily in an online format. High school students are instructed by a Kirkwood instructor, with the class comprised of both traditional and high school students. This option offers flexibility that some busy students require. In rare cases, high school students are eligible to join traditional students in a course on main campus.

3) ONSITE courses are dual credit courses taught by high school-paid, Kirkwood-trained instructors. In this format high school students are able to earn college credit in high school without leaving their school building. Onsite course availability varies by school; course content and expectations remain at Kirkwood college-level standards.

A big shout out to the following Mid-Prairie instructors teaching Kirkwood CCHS courses in 2024-25 & 2025-2026:

Beth Hanselman: Explorations of Healthcare

Sarah O'Rourke: Child Growth & Development

Glenda Seward: Sanitation & Safety

Lucas Troyer: Intro to Welding Safety, Gas Metal Arc

Dylan Walther: Exploring Teaching

Mid-Prairie High School is fortunate to have many highly qualified and skilled faculty credentialed to teach Kirkwood concurrent credit coursework right onsite at the high school. These dual credit onsite offerings are an amazing opportunity for Mid-Prairie students to begin their college career with faculty they know.

Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center provides expanded dual credit opportunities to students in addition to what is available at the high school. We welcome Mid-Prairie high school and home school students to explore multiple career pathways at the Regional Center in Career Academy programming that is aligned with industry workforce needs, offered in state-of-the-art labs, with industry standard equipment. We offer Career Academy programming for all types of students: four-year college bound, skilled technical trades or community colleges, as well as industry-recognized certifications for students looking for immediate employment opportunities.

With our broad range of course programming and extensive support systems in place, we have created a program that is focused on student success and aligns perfectly with Mid-Prairie CSD’s mission of preparing today's students for tomorrow's world in a caring learning environment. I am confident our shared Mid-Prairie students will be prepared to go on to do great things in their postsecondary careers!

Email: washingtoncounty@kirkwood.edu
Website: kirkwood.edu/washingtonregional
Phone: 319-653-4655
Facebook: @KirkwoodWashingtonco

Instagram: @KirkwoodWash
X: @KirkwoodWash