Not all the classes in local high schools are geared just toward graduation credit.

All but four of the high schools either wholly or partially in the Illinois Valley Community College district boundaries have opted to include some of the college's dual credit courses, which allow students to earn college credit while accumulating credits for graduation.

Cathy Noel, the Serena High School guidance counselor, said the dual credit classes serve two purposes for her students. First, they offer an opportunity for students to get a head start on college credit, saving them time and money. Each class costs just more than $100, about half IVCC's normal tuition.

"They can be a year ahead at a huge savings," she said. "And they don't have to travel. (IVCC) teaches the classes here and they're still in their own familiar environment. But they're getting used to college classes."

Second, it augments the school's curriculum, offering advanced classes that otherwise may not be possible.

"We have a great staff that does an excellent job, but our curriculum is limited," Noel said. "This is an opportunity for them to get coursework they wouldn't normally get to do, and it will help them be competitive."

At Serena, juniors and seniors can take up to two dual credit classes each semester. Seniors also can take college-level English, for a total of 30 possible credit hours. Offerings rotate each year to give students a variety to choose from. History of Western civilization, speech, psychology, sociology and government are some that have been offered so far.

Noel said having the students experience the difference between a high school class and a college class while still at Serena is a benefit, particularly since some college courses will determine a final grade on only a few papers or tests.

Serena High senior Lacey Kueteman said by the time she graduates, she will have earned 24 college credit hours. She's noticed these classes tend to be different from her regular high school courses.

"They're more laid-back. The teacher isn't responsible for you. You're responsible for yourself. They're not going to chase after you if you don't turn something in," she said.

At Streator Township High School, juniors and seniors also can take IVCC dual credit classes, enough to earn between 25 to 30 credit hours by the time graduation rolls around, said counselor Gary Sonnenberg.

Streator offers U.S. history to juniors for six credit hours, then to seniors advanced English for six credits and calculus for five credits. To take the senior courses, students must pass IVCC's placement test.

Additional classes such as psychology, sociology and history of Western civilization also are available to seniors. All the classes are taught at STHS, mostly by STHS staff.

"It's a great thing, being able to earn nearly 30 credits," Sonnenberg said. "But you have to check (which colleges accept dual credit classes)."

At Ottawa Township High School, students have two methods to earn college credit. They can take the IVCC dual credit classes or they can take Advanced Placement courses with the hope of passing an exam that awards college credit based on the student's success.

"We want to give opportunities to our students in whatever way we can," said Assistant Principal Laura Pastirik.

At OTHS, IVCC's dual credit classes aren't just for the college-bound students. Vocational courses that carry college credit also are available, with more courses being planned for the future. Courses range from speech, advanced chemistry and advanced composition to vocational child care, health occupations, computer-aided drafting, automotive and electronics.

The automotive class also allows students to apply for a tuition waiver through IVCC for one class and those finishing health occupations can receive their certified nurse's aid certification upon taking the state test. Having the CNA puts a student in a good position to apply for post-secondary nursing programs, as well as opening up other employment venues from the typical jobs for teenagers.

In addition to IVCC dual credit classes, OTHS also has four Advanced Placement classes: English literature and composition, U.S. history, calculus and American government. These classes are taught at a college level and, at the end, students can opt to take a test that earns them college credit, depending on how well they score.

Knocking down some college credit prior to graduation — for just about $100 per IVCC class or $78 for each AP test — can generate a huge savings if a student is diligent, said OTHS counselor Kim Swords.

Swords said sometimes students are nervous about putting up the $78 to take an AP test they may or may not pass, but she believes it's a good investment. If they do well, they can earn as many as seven credit hours, depending on the test, the score and the school where that credit will be applied.

"The teachers know best if they will be successful," she said. "I work with the teacher and we talk to them."

Streator no longer offers AP classes, but students still have the option to request to take these exams and earn college credit if they do well enough on the test.

Mark Grzybowski, career and technical education recruiter and dual credit/dual enrollment coordinator at IVCC, said the dual credit classes have been around for about 10 years and they have provided benefits to IVCC as well.

He speculates they have brought additional students to the college once they graduate. Particularly for students who are on the fence about whether to attend college, having some credits already completed or having a vocational certification or associate degree already partially finished is a huge incentive for the student to finish the course.

"It's a nice carrot to hold in front of them," he said. "They've already started. Even if they're not sure that college is for them, they might come out and finish, making themselves more marketable in the work place."