Students earn more than $460,000 in college credits through CIS

Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School students combined to earn 870 credits worth more than $464,000 in tuition through the University of Minnesota’s College in the Schools (CIS) program during the 2019-20 school year. 

The CIS program allows high school juniors and seniors to take college-level classes without leaving their school. Students get the benefit of experiencing the pace and rigor of a University of Minnesota class and can earn college credits that may save them thousands of dollars in tuition. 

Last year, 750 BHS students registered for CIS classes. Ninety-two percent of those students earned a grade of ‘C’ or higher, which was better than the state average of 88 percent. At BHS, 43 percent of students who participated in CIS classes were students of color. 

“I’m always proud of our students and inspired by their work ethic,” said Burnsville High School Principal Dave Helke. “They are tackling difficult subjects, engaging in meaningful debate and discussion, writing at a college level. It really shows how serious they are about being future ready.”

Burnsville High School offers students 10 CIS courses in subjects that include University Writing and Critical Reading, American Literature, American History, American Government, Calculus, Intro to African American Studies, Microeconomics, Public Speaking, Sociology and Spanish. Burnsville Alternative High School offers Intro to African American Studies.

In addition, BHS students have opportunities to earn college credits through 16 Advanced Placement classes, concurrent enrollment agreements with Inver Hills and Normandale community colleges, and agreements with other post-secondary schools.