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Kennedale ISD unveils Wildcat Collegiate Academy to offer transferable 'core complete' college credits
Summary
Kennedale ISD trustees heard a plan for the Wildcat Collegiate Academy, a districtwide partnership with Charlton State University that aims to let high-school students earn 45–48 transferable college credit hours (a 'core complete') taught by KHS teachers; most students would pay nothing and non‑eligible students pay $50 per credit hour.
Kennedale ISD trustees on Monday heard details of the Wildcat Collegiate Academy, a new districtwide program designed to give high school students a coherent college pathway and up to two years of transferable college credit.
Dr. Boo, the district presenter, said the program in partnership with Charlton State University will let students earn 45–48 hours that count toward a university’s lower‑division core — a package the presentation described as “core complete.” “Core complete is transferable to any Texas public university,” Dr. Boo said, adding that the package is designed so public universities must accept those credits as core coursework.
The district described how the academy differs from typical dual‑credit arrangements: courses would be taught at Kennedale High School by KHS teachers who attend university training and work with a Charlton State professor. Students receive both a high‑school grade and the option to accept a college grade on their college transcript at semester’s end; students may retake courses over the summer to replace an unsatisfactory college grade.
Why it matters: administrators said the pathway aims to reduce barriers to college by providing a consistent, transferable block of credit and, optionally, an associate degree if students complete an extra 15 hours. The district estimated the cost to families at $50 per credit hour for those ineligible for free‑and‑reduced programs; staff said most KISD students (more than 60 percent) would be eligible for free access. For a 45‑hour package the presentation listed a non‑eligible cost estimate of about $2,250.
Program rollout and logistics: the board was told the initial phase will replace existing OnRamps sections with Charlton State courses where there is a one‑to‑one match; other courses will be retained until appropriate replacements are identified. The district will align the pathway with local graduation requirements so students can both graduate and accumulate the college credits. Administrators said students can begin taking college‑level courses as early as ninth grade, with intensive TSI preparation built into the ninth‑ and tenth‑grade curriculum so students can earn credit even before passing the TSI where allowed.
Trustee questions and next steps: trustees asked about transcript portability, gap‑year scenarios, scheduling and how current course requests will be adjusted. Dr. Boo told the board that students who complete the core will retain an official college transcript and that families will be able to choose course‑by‑course whether to accept college credit. The district plans parent meetings, counselor advising and a public information campaign; a program website draft was shown (kennedellisd.netcollegate). Administrators said they will return with implementation details, teacher training timelines and any required board approvals.
The board took no formal action on the policy or funding in the presentation; administrators said they will bring additional materials and enrollment logistics to a future meeting.
