Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has reported a notable increase in the number of students earning college credits through advanced academic programs. According to new data, 1,080 IPS students earned approximately 6,700 college credits during the 2024–25 school year, up from 872 students who earned more than 5,000 credits in the previous year. This reflects a 48% increase in dual credit enrollment with Ivy Tech Community College.

The four high schools within the district—Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, George Washington, and Shortridge—have all contributed to this growth. More than half of the Class of 2025 accumulated a total of 4,553 college credits through advanced coursework options such as dual credit classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

“In the 2023–24 school year, 872 IPS students in all grades earned more than 5,000 college credits,” said Austin Dodd, IPS director of high school academies and pathways. “That number jumped significantly last year as 1,080 IPS students earned about 6,700 college credits, reflecting a 48% increase in dual credit enrollment with Ivy Tech Community College, one of the district’s higher education partners.”

Dodd highlighted several benefits for students participating in these programs. “These programs can reduce the cost and time it takes to earn a degree, ease the transition to college-level coursework, and allow students to explore their academic interests before they even graduate high school,” he explained.

A pass rate of 91% was achieved by IPS students enrolled in dual credit courses. Dodd credited this outcome to early college structures within schools and support systems such as writing centers and targeted programming like the Early College High School model endorsed by the University of Indianapolis’s Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL).

IPS is expanding its offerings by launching fourth early college cohorts at Arsenal Tech and Crispus Attucks and a second cohort at George Washington. Career and Technical Education (CTE) dual credit opportunities are also being increased at Shortridge.

“These programs aren’t just about acceleration—they’re about access and equity,” Dodd said. “Advanced academic pathways give our students a jump-start on college and prepare them to succeed at the next level.”

Partnerships with institutions such as Ivy Tech are part of IPS’s ongoing efforts to help students graduate prepared for higher education or entry into the workforce.