LHS Dual Credit and Tech Programs

We're committed to preparing every student for success after graduation—whether that means heading to college, entering the workforce, or exploring both pathways. This year, we are proud to announce that our dual credit opportunities have expanded from 8 courses to over 20 college-level classes available in classrooms at LHS through our partnership with University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC). Students may also choose asynchronous online courses through Baker University.

Additionally, students continue to have low cost opportunities in technical training programs through both Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) and Highland Community College (HCC). These programs provide hands-on certifications in high-demand fields such as welding, automotive technology, culinary arts, precision agriculture, and healthcare— at little or no cost to the student.

If your student prefers not to take college or certification classes while in high school, we have more than 30 classes to help them explore and prepare for their future. Whether your student is planning to attend a four-year university, start a career right after graduation, or keep both options open, we offer an incredible range of opportunities to support their goals. In this newsletter, you'll find information on all of these opportunities. If you have questions, please have your student talk to their counselor.

• College-Bound? Dual credit through UMKC is the best way to save thousands and prepare for a bachelor’s degree.
• Career-Ready? Free tech programs at KCKCC and HCC provide job skills and certifications that lead directly into the workforce.
• Blended Path? Many students do both—earning general education credits while also exploring a technical program that builds practical, employable skills.

We are always looking for ways to give our students a strong start on their futures. One of the most powerful opportunities available is dual credit coursework—classes where high school students can simultaneously earn both high school and college credit.

Why Dual Credit Matters

Research shows that students who successfully complete dual credit courses are more likely to:

• Enroll in college after graduation.

• Persist through their freshman year, reducing the risk of dropping out.

• Graduate on time, because they enter with credits already completed.

The Community College Research Center and the U.S. Department of Education both note that dual credit students often experience a smoother transition to college, greater confidence in their abilities, and even long-term savings on tuition.

Encouraging Your Student to Try

If your student is considering dual credit, here are a few ways you can encourage them:

• Talk through their interests: Pick courses that align with future career or college goals.

• Start small: A single class in a subject they enjoy can build confidence.

• Highlight the payoff: Explain how these classes can shorten their time in college and save money.

• Offer support: Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help and that managing a college-level workload is a skill that grows with practice.

A Word of Caution

While dual credit can open many doors, it’s important to strike the right balance. Taking too many college-level classes at once can:

• Add unnecessary stress to a student’s schedule.

• Lower their grades if they are stretched too thin.

• Impact their college transcript negatively, since these grades follow them beyond high school.

The key is to view dual credit as a strategic opportunity, not a race to accumulate as many credits as possible. Each student’s path should reflect their strengths, goals, and overall well-being.

✅ Meet with the counselor – Review course options and ensure they align with graduation and college plans.
✅ Start with one class – Encourage your student to test the waters before committing to several.
✅ Balance the schedule – Make sure dual credit doesn’t overwhelm extracurriculars, jobs, or family time.
✅ Monitor progress – Check in regularly about workload, grades, and stress levels.
✅ Celebrate success – Recognize your student’s effort in tackling a college-level challenge.
✅ Think long-term – Remember that grades go on both high school and college transcripts.

AP courses are rigorous, nationally standardized classes created by the College Board and culminates in a comprehensive exam given in May.

Why Take AP?

• College-Level Challenge – AP courses mirror the depth and pace of university classes, building skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and time management.

• College Credit Potential – Many colleges and universities award credit or advanced placement for students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam. This can shorten the time (and cost) needed to complete a degree.

• Stronger Applications – Colleges look favorably on students who have challenged themselves with AP coursework. These courses demonstrate readiness for higher-level academics.

• Confidence Builder – Students who succeed in AP report feeling more prepared to handle the transition to college expectations.

AP vs. Dual Credit

While AP relies on performance on a single exam for credit, dual credit guarantees college credit through UMKC as part of the course grade. Many Lansing students choose to take both AP and dual credit in the same class to maximize their options for earning credit at future universities.

Q: How do Dual Credit and AP courses affect my GPA?

A: Students receive an extra GPA point for both AP and Dual Credit courses (A=5, B=4, C=3)

Q: Can my student take both Dual Credit and the AP exam in the same class?
A: Yes. Students can register for UMKC dual credit during the school year and choose to sit for the AP exam in May.

Q: Why would a student do both?
A: It gives them the best of both worlds. Dual credit guarantees a transcripted college course through UMKC. The AP exam offers another pathway for credit or advanced placement at universities nationwide.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Dual credit courses are $75 per credit hour. The AP exam is about $100

Q: Will all colleges accept these credits?
A: Policies vary, many universities accept UMKC dual credits, while others prefer AP exam scores. Taking both maximizes your student’s chances of earning credit wherever they attend.

Q: Does my student have to be in an AP class to take the AP exam?
A: No. While it’s strongly recommended, students may register for an AP exam even if they are not enrolled in the AP course.

Q: What if my student struggles in the class?
A: Dual credit grades go on both the high school and UMKC college transcript. Families should consider workload balance before committing.

Q: How do we sign up?
A: Students register for dual credit through UMKC early in the semester. AP exam registration usually happens in the fall with payment due in late October. Your student’s counselor can help with the details.

Q: Can my student still get college credit if they only do one option?
A: Yes. Dual credit alone guarantees UMKC credit. AP alone may grant credit or advanced placement depending on exam scores and the college’s policy.

• Provide hands-on, vocational training and industry certifications through Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.

• Low or no cost for Lansing High School students (no tuition or fees charged)
• Most students provide their own transportation
• There are some equipment fees

• Automotive Technology
• Fire Science
• Construction
• HVAC
• Culinary Arts
• Cybersecurity
• Medical Assistant
• and many more

Benefits:

• Prepares students for immediate careers with hands-on skills and industry-recognized credentials.
• Allows exploration of career paths (trades, healthcare, tech, culinary, etc.) without tuition barriers.
• Embedded writing and communication curriculum supports workplace readiness

Considerations:

• These programs may not easily transfer credits to four-year colleges—if that’s a student’s goal, they should confirm articulation options or future paths
• Program slots may be limited, and application or prerequisites (e.g., placement testing, counselor recommendation) may be required
• Programs at Highland Community College (Atchinson) and KCKCC's main campus are further away and travel takes time out of other classes

Email: alan.penrose@usd469.net
Website: https://www.usd469.net
Location: Lansing High School, 147th Street, Lansing, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 727-3357
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LansingHighSchool
Twitter: @usd469