District says 115 students earned nearly 9,900 college credits last year, saving families about $200,000

Superintendent Lee Loving reported that North Santiam students increasingly access dual-credit courses through partnerships with regional colleges. For 2024–25, the district recorded 115 students participating in credit-bearing classes who earned 9,898 college credits, an outcome Superintendent Loving said saved families almost $200,000.

The superintendent listed available dual-credit offerings: Biology, Chemistry, Communications, Education courses, History, Spanish, Math (including Math 95 and Math 111), and Psychology through partner institutions such as Western Oregon University and Oregon Tech. He said the course mappings and college-course names are included in the district curriculum guide so students and families can see what will appear on both high school and college transcripts.

Board members and students confirmed that many students are aware of dual-credit options and that the high school counseling team supports forecasting and course selection. Students and board members discussed transferability: superintendent and staff said most credits from accredited partners are accepted at Oregon public universities, though transfer acceptance in other states can vary.

“115 students participated in credit-earning classes this last year, earning 9,898 credits, which saved those kids and families almost two hundred thousand dollars,” Loving said during the report.