College Fast Track Program

The College Fast Track Program enables scholars to earn college credits while at Heritage Academy. College credits can be earned in three ways: advanced placement, online courses and Dual Enrollment courses.

Heritage currently offers AP Calculus and is planning to offer AP Physics, AP Chemistry and AP Music Theory in the coming years.  Credits from online college classes from valid higher educational institutions may also be earned and transferred back to Heritage for high school credit.

Dual Enrollment courses are regular Heritage classes where a student can opt to earn college credit for the class. These classes initially will be offered through Rio Salado College.

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding our College Fast Track Program.

Can my scholar earn an Associate degree while at Heritage?

  • Yes. This is a very aggressive goal that requires a highly motivated scholar to earn approximately 60 college credits. Planning must start during the junior high school years. The unique block schedule at Heritage Academy actually offers scholars more time in the week to incorporate college classes. Contact Mr. Jared Taylor for more information.

What would it mean for your student to work on college credits while in high school?

  • Here are a few of the benefits -- Save time, Save money, Eliminate duplicate classes, Students progress at their own speed, Better prepared for college, Credits transfer in most cases
  • Even if a full Associate degree is not completed, having any amount of coursework completed while in high school will benefit any person.

How much does it cost?

  • Currently Maricopa County Community College District charges $76 per credit and Rio Salado College charges a $15 registration fee. Textbooks vary in costs and will be required in some cases. All costs are paid directly to the Community College.

How do I make a plan to graduate at Heritage and receive an Associate degree?

  1. Create a path for High School Graduation (click here for Heritage graduation requirements.)
  2. Identify a potential college major for an Associates Degree. (Click here for sample programs.
  3. Create a plan to incorporate online or dual enrollment

How can I learn more about what credits transfer?

  • Credits earned at Rio Salado transfer to most major colleges around the Country. They are accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) as well as the Higher earning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • More specific transfer information for universities within Arizona can be found at AZTransfer.
  • Contact an advisor at Rio Salado College at 480.517.8080.
  • Ultimately, the destination college or university will make this decision. It's always a good idea to contact the institution and department (e.g. engineering, education, business) to validate transferrability.

How do I get started with Rio Salado College?