Ozarka College Expands Concurrent, Dual Course Offerings In Northern Fulton, Oregon County

It's never too early to start thinking about college, and that's exactly what representatives from Ozarka College - Mammoth Spring have been telling students at area high schools. Recently, the College began developing partnerships with Mammoth Spring, Thayer and Couch High School to expand the availability of concurrent and dual credit course offerings. Concurrent or dual credit courses are available to high school students who are enrolled in a college course that is also counted as credit toward the student's high school graduation."This is an excellent opportunity for these seniors to get exposure to a college level setting and atmosphere," said James Spurlock, director of off-campus operations at Ozarka College - Mammoth Spring. "This partnership with our area high schools will give these students a head start on their college careers." While most courses will be offered in the classrooms of the high schools, Mammoth Spring and Thayer students will be allowed to attend classes at the Ozarka College campus in the mornings and return to the high school afterward. Instructors for courses at the high schools are high school teachers who have a Master's degree in the course taught. Along with Ozarka College Director of Admissions Dylan Mowery, Spurlock has been visiting the high schools regularly, and has begun the registration process for students interested in the program. This fall semester, qualified high school students will be enrolling in various college level classes such as English composition, communications, college algebra, introduction to computer applications, or general psychology. Course offerings at each school will vary based on student need and availability of qualified instructors. Any student in the 8th grade or higher who has completed either the ACT or Compass Placement Test with adequate scores is qualified to register; however, each high school will determine at what grade level their students can begin this program. Students may also register for classes outside of their typical school day. Online and evening course offerings allow students to take additional college credit courses prior to graduating high school. Concurrent and dual credit courses are offered at a discounted price per credit hour for high school students during the fall and spring semesters only. For more information, please contact Spurlock at 870-625-0411 or by email at jaspurlock@ozarka.edu.