Dual enrollment rises after Georgia law gives college credit

More high school students are taking college courses after a new Georgia law took effect this year giving dual enrolled students college credit.

The cost of mandatory fees and books is covered for high school students who simultaneously enroll in college. And now, for the first time in Georgia, their efforts will mean less time and expense if they continue in college after earning a diploma, since any credits earned will transfer to the state’s college system.

“So they’re not having to pay for that, their parents are not having to pay for that. Everybody’s happy about that,” said Leigh Newman, executive director of campus operations at West Georgia Technical College.

Newman, who spoke at a forum on workforce development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on Monday, said the number of high school students enrolled at her college had risen as of the start of this week to 652, up from 559 last year.

About the Author

Ty Tagami

Ty Tagami is a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since joining the newspaper in 2002, he has written about everything from hurricanes to homelessness. He has deep experience covering local government and education, and can often be found under the Gold Dome when lawmakers meet or in a school somewhere in the state.

Fulton to close two elementary schools despite parent protests

Spalding Drive Elementary School in Sandy Springs and Parklane Elementary in East Point will close at the end of the school year. Students will be rezoned to other schools.