Holmen outlines expanding dual‑credit and transcripted‑credit programs; district and families see large savings

Holmen School District told the board on Sept. 22 that in‑house transcripted credit and dual‑credit partnerships with regional colleges are expanding and producing substantial tuition savings for families.

Lindsey Sipe, Holmen High School academic and career planning counselor, said 819 students earned a combined 2,667 transcripted credits in 2024–25, producing an estimated cost savings of $422,968.75 compared with taking the same credits at Western Wisconsin institutions.

Sipe described three program types: early college credit (often through the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse), the state Start College Now program (through Western Technical College), and dual‑credit courses taught by Holmen staff in partnership with institutions including UW–River Falls, UW–Green Bay, UW–Oshkosh and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC).

She said transcripted credit courses are taught in the high school by qualified teachers approved by the postsecondary partner; teachers submitted grades to the partner’s system so students receive both high school and college transcripts without cost to the student or district. "For the 24–25 school year, 819 students earn transcripted credit … the savings is $422,968.75," she said.

Dual‑credit courses require a discounted tuition payment by students. Sipe said examples include English 100 (three credits) and math 225/"AP stats" (four credits) through UW–River Falls; English 106 will be added in the second semester. Western has been a high-volume partner for Start College Now, with many students taking CNA, anatomy and physiology, sociology and other courses.

Sipe said the district has added new transcripted-credit offerings (small engines with CVTC this year) and that in‑house dual‑credit enrollment continues to grow. She described financial aid and discounted‑rate arrangements: UW–River Falls offers a reduced rate for free/reduced‑price students; UW–Green Bay provides scholarships or discounts for qualifying students; UWL and UW–Oshkosh do not offer waivers for the district’s program.

Board members asked how credits transfer if students attend other universities. Sipe said transferability varies by receiving institution: many UW campuses accept English 100 and math 225 one‑for‑one, while other schools may accept the credits as general electives.

The board received the report for information; no action was taken at the meeting. Members asked staff to continue promoting the programs and to track financial and enrollment trends.

Sipe noted application deadlines set by the state for Start College Now: March 1 for fall semester and Oct. 1 for spring, and described the application and parent‑contract process the district uses to enroll students in college coursework.