January 10, 2023 – Applications are now open for Decatur Public Schools eighth-grade students who want the opportunity to earn an Associate’s Degree at the same time they’re earning their high school diploma.
The Prep Academy is now accepting applications for Cohort #3, for students who will be freshmen during the 2023-24 school year. Students accepted into the program work toward earning a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree from Richland Community College upon completion of the four-year program during high school.
The program is FREE to Decatur Public Schools students, meaning they will earn a college degree without having to pay for it. Prep Academy classes are taught by both Decatur Public Schools teachers and Richland Community College instructors.
The Prep Academy is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year for incoming freshmen. There is no charge to apply or to participate in the program, but space is limited.
Parents of incoming freshmen who are interested in the program are required to register and attend one of the virtual parent informational sessions, scheduled on the following dates:
- Tuesday, January 17 @ 11:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, January 17 @ 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 19 @ 11:00 a.m.
- Thursday, January 19 @ 5:00 p.m.
Interested students must complete and submit an application along with all required documents, including a letter of recommendation and a five-paragraph essay, by January 30.
To learn more about the program and register for one of the parent informational sessions, go to dps61.org/prepacademy.
