College Preparatory Courses

Each school district is required to partner with at least one institution of higher education to develop and provide college preparatory courses in English language arts and mathematics.  LISD partners with both Collin College and North Central Texas College (NCTC) to offer College Prep English and College Prep Math to 12th grade students. 

The purpose of the College Preparatory courses is to provide students, most specifically seniors, with an opportunity to demonstrate college readiness in English and/or math without the need for remedial or developmental coursework in college.  The College Prep courses are intended for students who have NOT reached readiness benchmarks on the SAT, ACT or TSIA2.  Students who have already shown readiness are encouraged to explore college-level coursework through AP or Dual Credit courses in English and Math. 

College Prep courses are taught by LISD teachers, with the content of the course directed by our higher education partners.  This makes Algebra II an important prerequisite for the College Prep Math course.  Collaboration takes place between the district and partners to ensure that the courses are aligned to the developmental courses taught on the respective college campuses.  This partnership ensures an effective transition for students as they enroll after graduation.

Successful completion of a College Prep course offers students an exemption from the TSI requirement (SAT, ACT, or TSIA2 qualifying score) at both Collin College and NCTC for a two-year period after graduation.  Even if students may not see college as a part of their immediate next steps, the two-year exemption from entrance requirements provides future opportunities and options if their path changes.

When considering College Prep courses, student goals should always be considered.  College prep courses are not universally recognized by the NCAA and may not count toward the required courses to meet certain endorsements.  Campus counselors are a great resource for information and to see if these courses are a match for student goals.

Students may demonstrate their readiness for college (CCMR) with successful completion and credit for a College Prep English and/or Math course.