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Scholastic Institute – Oxford High School

What is Scholastic Institute?

Scholastic Institute is an opportunity for eligible Oxford High School students to earn both a high school diploma from Oxford High School and an associate degree from Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Students apply during the spring of their sophomore year. If accepted, students begin the program as juniors and take college courses during their junior and senior years of high school. The goal of the program is for students to complete the requirements for high school graduation while also earning college credit that can lead to an associate degree.

How does Scholastic Institute work?

Students accepted into Scholastic Institute remain Oxford High School students while also enrolling in courses through Northwest Mississippi Community College. Some courses may be taught at Oxford High School, while others may be offered online or through Northwest.

Scholastic Institute students must be prepared for the expectations of college-level coursework. This includes managing assignments, meeting deadlines, communicating with instructors, and maintaining strong academic habits.

Dual Credit, AP, and Scholastic Institute

Oxford High School offers several advanced academic opportunities, including dual credit courses, Advanced Placement courses, and Scholastic Institute.

Dual credit courses allow students to earn high school and college credit at the same time.  Advanced Placement courses allow students to take college-level coursework while in high school and potentially earn college credit based on AP exam scores and the policies of the college or university they attend.  Scholastic Institute is a more structured college pathway designed for students who are working toward completing an associate degree while also earning their Oxford High School diploma.  Each option can benefit students in different ways. Families should consider the student’s academic goals, college plans, schedule, and readiness for college-level coursework when deciding which pathway is the best fit.

Requirements to Join Scholastic Institute

To be considered for Scholastic Institute, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Students must apply during the spring of their sophomore year.
  • Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Students must have a minimum ACT sub-score of 17 in English.
  • Students must have a minimum ACT sub-score of 19 in Math.
  • Students must be on track to meet Oxford High School graduation requirements.
  • Students must demonstrate the academic readiness, responsibility, attendance, and behavior needed to be successful in college-level coursework.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into Scholastic Institute. Acceptance is based on the qualifications of each candidate.

Scholastic Institute Application

Students interested in Scholastic Institute must complete the application process during the spring of their sophomore year. The application allows Oxford High School to review each student’s academic record, readiness for college-level coursework, and overall fit for the program.

Completing an application does not guarantee acceptance into Scholastic Institute. It also does not require a student to participate if accepted. The application process is designed to help students, families, and school staff determine whether Scholastic Institute is the right academic pathway for the student.

Benefits of Scholastic Institute

Scholastic Institute offers several benefits for students and families:

  • Students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree.
  • Students can complete college coursework while still enrolled at Oxford High School.
  • Students can reduce the amount of time needed to complete a college degree after high school.
  • Students can save money on future college tuition.
  • There is no cost to students or families for participation in Scholastic Institute.
  • Students gain experience with college-level expectations, coursework, and responsibilities while still having support from Oxford High School.

Questions?

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: