Frisco, Plano Students Get GPA Boost With Dual Credit Courses

Frisco and Plano Independent School Districts (ISDs) recently took a significant step to bolster their dual credit programs. Actions by both districts positively impact dual credit courses in the weighted GPA system, incentivizing more students to earn college credit before graduating high school. Starting with the graduating class of 2028 in Plano and 2030 in Frisco, dual credit, advanced placement (AP), and international baccalaureate (IB) classes will carry the same weight in GPA calculations. For Frisco ISD, the dual credit courses will rise to the 6.0 scale.

“The updated GPA scale for dual credit will strengthen our partnership with Collin College,” said Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip. “[This will encourage] more students to pursue advanced academic challenges and earn college credits in high school.”

Dual credit programs are rapidly growing in popularity. High school students can earn college credit for courses that apply toward both their high school diploma and a college degree. Students who successfully complete the courses earn credit directly applicable to their college pathway, potentially enhancing applications for competitive programs.

District officials cited student, parent, and community requests, alongside the rising cost of college, as key factors in the new GPA weighting scale.

“The decision to equalize dual credit GPA reflects our commitment to enabling students to explore diverse academic pathways without concern for GPA disparities,” said Plano ISD Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams. “By aligning our dual credit GPA with other advanced academic options, we’re empowering students to make choices based on their interests, career aspirations, and learning styles.”

Previously, the ISDs’ GPA scales offered a lower weighting for dual credit courses compared to AP and IB options. Under their new policies, all three programs will be positioned at the top tier of the districts’ weighted GPA scale. This incentivizes students to explore a wider range of rigorous academic pathways while ensuring a fair and consistent impact on their GPA.

“This recognition by Frisco and Plano ISDs validates the quality and rigor of our dual credit program, giving our students a significant advantage of earning even more credits before entering universities,” said Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin.

He applauded superintendents Waldrip and Williams, along with their board members, for this student-centered decision. Dr. Matkin stressed that there is not a competition between dual credit, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate options – all programs to achieve college credit while completing high school.

“My wife and I raised three sons. During their high school experience, we had a mixture of dual credit, AP, and IB courses.
One is not superior to another – it is all about student success, and all three of these programs are tools to help students succeed.”
Craig Leverette, Collin College vice president of P-12 Partnerships and districtwide scheduling, sees a growing trend in simplifying the process of earning college credit through dual credit.

“Dual credit offers a clear path to college credit,” Leverette explained. “Many districts are already reaping the benefits of GPA equalization for dual credit, and others are exploring its potential. Given its popularity and positive impact, GPA equalization presents a valuable option for more school districts to consider.  We are thankful to all our dual credit partners for their continued efforts to provide this option to their students.”

Partnerships between Collin College and the ISDs that create a streamlined path to academic success are opening doors for students. By recognizing the academic value of dual credit and working together to ensure a smooth transition between high school and college, this collaboration paves the way for a more accessible and cost-effective path to higher education for students across the region.

For additional information about dual credit courses or GPA weighting, students should consult with their high school counselors.  To learn more about Collin College dual credit, visit www.collin.edu/infodualcredit.html.