Early College Opportunities

PrepareRI prioritizes initiatives that support students in receiving college credit and industry credentials. This ensures that all students have externally validated experiences before graduating from the K12 system.

What are early college opportunities (ECO)?

In Rhode Island, Early College Opportunities (ECO) include dual, concurrent, or Advanced Placement (AP) courses and there are a few different ways and places students can access them.

Students can take ECO:

  • At their high school via Advanced Placement or concurrent enrollment courses (college-level courses taught by a high school teacher, with students receiving college credit)

  • At a public college through dual enrollment courses (college-level courses taught by a college professor at a college, with students receiving college credit)

  • At a private college, a different high school than their own, or via a non-profit provider through the All Course Network.

 Advanced Placement (At your school)

Advanced Placement courses are developed by the College Board and offer college-level course material taught by teachers at your high school. You can earn college credit if you earn a qualifying score of three or higher on the end-of-course exam. Check your school's course catalog to see which AP courses are available. 

Concurrent Enrollment (At your school)

Many high schools will offer college classes that are taught by high school instructors. This means that you can take a college class and earn college credit without leaving your high school. The concurrent enrollment course catalog lists the courses that MAY be available at your school. Be sure to ask your counselor or school administrator what concurrent enrollment classes are offered at your school.

through the aLL course network (outside your school)

The All Course Network (ACN) enables students and their families to choose to enroll in an expanded number of free courses while they remain enrolled at their public school. Enriching experiences with advanced coursework help students get a head start on postsecondary success, master the skills required of a lifelong learner, and be prepared for jobs in sectors critical to Rhode Island’s future prosperity. The All Course Network is designed to help districts and schools meet this need by creating opportunities for Rhode Island students to envision, pursue and realize their individualized graduation pathway outside of the traditional school day. 

At a public college (Outside your school)

The PrepareRI Dual Enrollment Fund allows all public high school students in the state to take up to two college courses per semester at one of Rhode Island's public colleges for free.

To learn more, click on the college where you would like to take classes: