Graduate with an
Associate's Degree

Middle College

Kenowa Hills High School and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) have partnered to offer students an opportunity to earn a free Associate’s Degree. Tuition for the program is paid by Kenowa Hills Public Schools. The program is available beginning the student’s sophomore year with their first collegiate class in the Middle College program, Freshman Seminar, completed in August prior to the sophomore year. Students who participate in the Middle College Program take a course schedule that blends high school courses with GRCC courses. Students continue this relationship through their 11th, 12th, and 13th years of schooling. All classes are completed at KHHS, with collegiate classes taught by GRCC instructors, until the 13th year, when they will be taken at the main campus of GRCC. Upon completion of their 13th year, students will have earned an Associate’s Degree in addition to their high school diploma. Degrees in Business, Technology, and Health will be available to students through the Middle College Program.

Middle College at a Glance

The Middle College partnership between GRCC and Kenowa Hills High School was created to give students an opportunity to pursue an Associate Degree while still in high school. Students will take a blend of high school and college courses for four years (grades 10-13). The college tuition will be paid by Kenowa Hills High School, providing a substantial savings for parents and students. The goals of the Middle College program are:

• Increase the number of students enrolling in college.
• Increase the number of students completing college (Associate and Bachelor Degrees).
• Reduce the financial burden on families.
• Expand the traditional view of high school.
• Increase student opportunities based on interests, talents, and ability.
• Provide an opportunity for students to engage in an early college experience in a supportive setting.

Program Goals

• Students begin college early with supports that help them succeed.
• Tuition costs are paid by Kenowa Hills Public Schools.
• Students are on a faster pace to earn Associate and Bachelor Degrees.
• Students will likely need to spend only two years at their own expense to earn a Bachelor Degree.
• Students are transitioning to college gradually.
• Students have greater choice in their coursework and see a connection between their studies and their career goals.

Considerations for Students and Parents

• Middle College Students do not receive their high school diploma until the end of year 13, but will be allowed to participate in High School Commencement after grade 12 and College Commencement after grade 13.
• Students must follow both the GRCC class schedule and calendar for their college courses AND the high school calendar for their high school courses. There will be different start/end dates for classes and different vacation schedules.
• Students may need to take one or more classes outside the school day (before school, after school, evening).
• Students may be required to attend an orientation at GRCC in August (dates to be finalized.)
• College classes taken by Kenowa Hills High School students may be open to students of all ages, and students are eligible beginning in grade 10.
• During their junior year, classes are completed at Kenowa Hills High School with collegiate classes taught by GRCC instructors. All classes are taken at KHHS until the student's 13th year.

The Middle College application process takes place during second semester of a student’s freshman year. Current freshman and parents interested in obtaining more information about the Kenowa Hills Middle College can contact Kenowa Hills High School Principal, Nathan Robrahn, at nrobrahn@khps.org or by calling (616) 784-2400.