Madelyn Bailey, Desert Vista High School and dual enrollment student
Yaz J., Heritage Academy Maricopa and dual enrollment student
Madelyn Bailey, Rio Salado College mascot Splash, Alexandria Woodruff
A record number high school dual enrollment students are on track to complete their associate degrees with Rio Salado College this year - and they were celebrated during the 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 8.
More than 200 students from high schools across the Valley - public, private and charter schools - took part in the ceremony, in many cases weeks before they received their high school diplomas. In total, 408 high school students are on target to complete an associate degree this academic year from Rio Salado, a nearly 30 percent increase from last year.
“The growth and preparation made during these students’ experiences in dual enrollment sets them up for future success, whether they plan to attend college or university or directly enter the workforce,” said President Kate Smith. “It is inspiring to see so many students take advantage of dual enrollment through the completion of associate degrees, certificates and earning credits to get ahead. This accomplishment will serve them well and have lasting impact.”
Of those students, 200 are from Heritage Academy - a group of charter schools across the Valley.
"I did dual enrollment because it is a great way to get ahead in college credits,” said Grace C., who attends Heritage Academy Gateway. “Although it's been challenging at times, my study skills and knowledge of each subject have grown so much. I feel so prepared for the rigor of college classes now, and graduating with two associate degrees lessens my college time."
More than 90 Xavier College Preparatory students completed a Rio Salado credential, as did nearly 70 from the Tempe Union High School District.
Meet some of the schools and students who participate in dual enrollment.
Tempe Union High School District
Dual enrollment continues to grow in the Tempe Union High School District - right in Rio Salado’s backyard. During the 2023-2024 school year - the most recent completed data available - students finished over 25,000 college credits. This year, 2,047 students from the district are taking dual enrollment. Of the seniors, 69 are finishing at least one associate degree.
Madelyn Bailey, a senior at Desert Vista High School, will attend the University of Arizona in the fall, and with her dual credits, she plans to complete a degree in psychology by the age of 19.
Bailey learned about dual enrollment from her cousin, who also completed dual enrollment with Rio Salado. Since then, she’s completed 60 credits in courses such as English composition, calculus, and Honors Spanish. She finished all her courses with an A - the highest grade possible.
“I’ve always wanted to excel in school, so participating in dual helped me get to college early and helped me get ahead,” she said.
Bailey’s classmate, Alexandria Woodruff, is completing three associate degrees from Rio Salado. She is following in her sisters’ footsteps: four took dual enrollment in past years. This fall, Alexandria will double major in business and interior design at Arizona State University (ASU).
“Rio helped speed things up. I already finished my general education classes, so I can focus on courses that interest me,” she said.
Her advice for students? “Take as many credits as you can. Dual enrollment is affordable and sets you up early.”
Heritage Academy
Dual enrollment is ingrained into the fabric of the culture at all Heritage Academy campuses.
"Every scholar at Heritage Academy Gateway meets with our college relations manager upon admission to the high school,” said Principal Kathleen Lopez. “During this meeting, scholars and parents map out their four-year plan, which always includes dual enrollment courses. Most of our academic courses are dual enrollment, so scholars are provided with that rigor and curriculum."
More than 1,200 students across four of Heritage Academy’s campuses were enrolled in dual classes this year.
Yaz J., who attends Heritage Academy Maricopa, took full advantage of the dual enrollment program to get a head start on her future. Through dedication and hard work, she is graduating with associate of arts and general studies degrees. She plans to attend ASU in the fall toward a goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
“I think dual is an amazing option for those who want to go to college,” she said. “It has given me a taste of what college will be like so I am better prepared for when I go to a university.”
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment courses are held on high school campuses and are taught by qualified teachers using a college-level curriculum. Students take the class for high school credit, and also enroll in Rio Salado to receive college credit. By taking advantage of this opportunity, students can often complete a semester or more of credits before they set foot on a college or university campus. When they complete an associate degree - typically 60 or more credits - students may begin their college experience as sophomores or juniors, depending on the institution they attend.
About 9,700 students are enrolled in dual classes this academic year through Rio Salado and its nearly 50 academic partner high schools. The Rio Salado program is one of the largest dual enrollment programs in the state.