Education Plan
Concurrent Enrollment
Earn real college credits while still in high school — tuition-free — through Garfield County School Of Innovation's partnerships with regional higher education institutions.
College Credit. No Tuition. Real Head Start.
Concurrent enrollment allows Garfield County School Of Innovation students to take college-level courses and earn transferable credit while completing their high school requirements.
Under Colorado's Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act (C.R.S. § 22-35-101 et seq.), eligible high school students have the legal right to enroll in postsecondary courses tuition-free.
Through our partnerships with Colorado Mountain College and other regional institutions, students can graduate holding a high school diploma and a meaningful bank of college credits already earned.
Colorado State Law
Primary Partner
Your Legal Right to College Credit
C.R.S. § 22-35-101 et seq. — Colorado Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act
Colorado law guarantees eligible high school students the right to take postsecondary courses at no tuition cost. The Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act requires school districts to inform students and families of this opportunity, to facilitate enrollment, and to ensure that credits earned are applied toward both high school graduation requirements and postsecondary transcripts. Garfield County School Of Innovation is committed to making concurrent enrollment a standard part of every student's academic plan — not an exception.
Program Benefits
Tuition-Free College Credits
Colorado's Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act covers tuition costs for eligible students, making college credits accessible to every family regardless of income.
Transferable Credits
Credits earned through concurrent enrollment are accepted by all Colorado public colleges and universities, and many private and out-of-state institutions.
Real College Experience
Students experience college-level expectations, workload, and academic culture — building the skills and confidence they need to succeed after graduation.
Career-Aligned Coursework
Concurrent enrollment courses are selected to complement CTE pathways — so students earn credits in fields directly relevant to their career goals.
K–14 Pathway
Our K–14 model extends learning beyond the traditional 12th grade, allowing students to complete associate-level credentials before entering the workforce.
Dual Diploma Options
High-achieving students can pursue pathways that result in both a high school diploma and an associate degree or technical certificate simultaneously.
Primary Higher Education Partner
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is a regionally accredited community college serving the Western Slope with campuses in Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Steamboat Springs, and beyond. CMC is Garfield County School Of Innovation's primary concurrent enrollment partner — offering a wide range of transferable college courses that align directly with our CTE pathways and K–12 model.
Through this partnership, GCSI students can earn CMC college credits tuition-free while still in high school — credits that transfer to four-year universities across Colorado and the nation. For students pursuing an associate degree, CMC's proximity and partnership make that goal achievable before graduation.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Local Campuses
Glenwood Springs · Rifle · Steamboat Springs
Credits Transfer To
All Colorado public colleges & universities
Tuition Cost to Families
Free under C.R.S. § 22-35-101
Higher Education Partners
CMC works with all public high schools in its tax district. Upon approval of the charter, GCSI intends to formalize a partnership with Colorado Mountain College for concurrent enrollment and career & technical education opportunities.
Explore Higher Education Partnerships
Start College Before You Graduate
Concurrent enrollment is one of the most powerful tools available to Garfield County students. Let us show you how it fits into your plan.