High schools give students jump on college

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Monday, Sept. 23, 2002 | 11:02 a.m.

Locations All three Community College High School campuses will hold open houses today, tomorrow and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Her first class doesn't begin until her peers at traditional Clark County high schools are getting ready for their last bell, but that doesn't mean 17-year-old high school senior Leah Paraso isn't putting in a full day's work.

Paraso, a senior at Community College High School East in North Las Vegas, has already earned 18 credits toward college thanks to the school's innovative program, which allows students to choose their own schedules and enroll in college electives.

"I'm amazed whenever I think about it," Paraso said. "It's been a terrific way to spend my high school years."

Three Community College High Schools serve 536 students throughout the Clark County School District. The campuses will be open for tours to students and parents today, tomorrow and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The program, in its seventh year, allows students to attend required high school classes from 12:30 to 5 p.m. three days a week, with Community College of Southern Nevada courses scheduled on the remaining two days. Graduating seniors from the class of 2001 finished with an average of 25 college credits in addition to a high school diploma.

Students must be motivated to be accepted to -- and succeed in -- the program, principal Karen Phillips said. The application process includes interviews, essays and teacher recommendations, said Phillips, who oversees all three campuses.

"Our kids are definitely self-starters," said Phillips, who is in her first year as principal. "It's exciting to work with students this dedicated."

Paraso was a sophomore at Cheyenne High School when a guidance counselor from the community college program came for an informational meeting. The prospect of a later start time, coupled with the chance to earn college credits in a smaller class setting, won her over, Paraso said.

Paraso has already earned 18 college credits, attending school three days a week. That gives her two full weekdays for homework -- of which there is plenty, Paraso said.

But the heavier course load doesn't mean students are missing out on the more traditional pleasures of high school. There are no extracurricular activities such as band or athletics, but there is an active leadership program. Paraso was elected student body president Friday.

"Everyone here is independent, and there's no pressure to do things anyone else's way," Paraso said. "I love that."

Agustin Orci, deputy superintendent of instruction for the school district, said the community college program offers smaller classes and more individual attention.

"It's a terrific place for good students concerned about advancing their education," Orci said.

The school district picks up the cost of college classes that are three credits or more, or if the course satisfies a requirement for high school. Students are responsible for buying their own books, which at the college level can be expensive. No transportation is provided by the school district.