The Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) is exploring an expansion of its associate’s degree pathway for high school students, a move driven by a 59% surge in concurrent enrollment participation since the 2021-22 academic year. The proposed program, developed in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, aims to make college-level coursework more accessible, reduce future tuition expenses, and provide a clearer path to an associate’s degree for students.
Growth in Concurrent Enrollment
In the 2025–26 academic period, 1,294 ICCSD students were involved in concurrent enrollment courses, which accounted for 27.2% of the total student body. This group of students accumulated 8,095.5 college credit hours, yielding approximately $1.79 million in tuition savings for students and families. This enrollment figure reflects a notable rise from the 812 students who were part of concurrent enrollment in the 2021–22 school year.
Proposed Pathway Structure
The new associate’s degree pathway would build on the district’s existing concurrent enrollment opportunities by creating a more structured sequence of college-credit courses for students to complete throughout high school. A key goal is to offer more college-level courses within district high schools, taught by qualified ICCSD teachers, allowing students to remain connected to their school communities while earning credit. While students can currently work toward an associate’s degree, many required courses must be taken outside their high school buildings or online. The initiative also aligns with the district’s broader commitment to career exploration and postsecondary preparation.
Next Steps for the Program
As planning continues, the district plans to survey teachers to assess qualifications and interest in teaching dual-credit courses. The District will also collaborate with Kirkwood Community College on identifying potential courses, examining instructional options, and establishing the optimal format for the Associate’s Degree Pathway. Other actions will involve revising the district’s Program of Studies and holding informational sessions for students and families before course registration commences. It is still undecided which courses will be integrated into the new pathway.
