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Victoria ISD unveils "Freshman to Freshman" program to expand free dual credit for ninth graders
Summary
Victoria ISD announced a new district-wide dual-credit program that allows eligible ninth graders to begin college courses at no cost, with supports including face-to-face college instructors, progress monitoring every 2–3 weeks, dual-credit labs and counseling; administration expects TEA outcome-based funds to help cover tuition.
Victoria Independent School District on Nov. 20 detailed a new dual-credit pathway, called "Freshman to Freshman," designed to let ninth graders begin taking college courses early and work toward an associate's degree while still in high school.
LaDonna Forry, the district's director of P‑TECH and college readiness, said the program will initially offer two college courses in ninth grade and four in 10th grade, with classes taught face to face at the high school by Victoria College professors during the first two years. "The best thing about this, the biggest benefit is that it's no cost to families," Forry said, explaining that tuition, books and fees will be covered for participating students.
District staff described a wraparound support model: dual-credit lab classes on the high-school campus, Victoria College learning assistants who provide tutoring, weekly checks by curriculum teams, a college-readiness coordinator and progress-monitoring reports from Victoria College every two to three weeks. Counselors will provide one-on-one advising during course selection and students will be able to combine AP and dual-credit choices to preserve electives and high-school experiences.
Finance staff said the district expects to use TEA outcome-based bonus funds and other earned indicators to cover tuition costs as participation grows. Administration reported that outcome-based funds rose from roughly $100,120 to $320,000 over recent years and estimated the potential to approach $2,000,000 as more students enroll and meet TSI and other benchmarks; officials said the increase would occur over time and not immediately.
Board members asked how the district will monitor students and preserve elective flexibility; staff said progress-monitoring data, assigned coordinators and dual-credit labs will provide regular intervention and recognition for student success. Outreach so far has included parent information sessions and school visits; staff reported about 45 sign-ups and standing-room attendance at a Nov. 18 parent session.
The program will begin course selection in January 2026 for the 2026–27 school year. Staff said participation is voluntary and that students and parents must attend an information session and complete college application steps as part of the process.
