At Cotter Schools, we provide curriculum for all students in an effort to best prepare them for success in their post-secondary plans and beyond. For some students, additional rigorous curriculum is desired and appropriate. The programs listed below provide the opportunity for earning college credits while still in high school.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
These rigorous courses are held at Cotter Schools, and students prepare for the AP exams in May. Students who are enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exams in May. The price of the exams varies each year but is between $50 and $60. Depending on the student's score and the college or university that the student attends, college placement or credits may be awarded.
PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED COLLEGE CREDIT (PACC)
Students who enroll in these courses are concurrently enrolled at Saint Mary's University. The courses are held at Cotter Schools and taught by Cotter instructors. If a student earns a C or better in the class, they receive college credit from Saint Mary's University at a significantly discounted price per credit. Upon completing these requirements, students will have a Saint Mary's University transcript showing these credits. Students are required to take the AP exam for PACC courses that are also AP courses.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION OPTION (PSEO)
This program is available to juniors and seniors who meet the eligibility requirements, which are specific to each college. PSEO courses may only be taken on a part-time basis since students must take all of their required courses at Cotter Schools. Students need to arrange their schedule at Cotter, so that they can take a PSEO class at the beginning or end of the day. Please note that by taking a PSEO class, you may not be able to take other specific AP or elective classes at Cotter.
Students also need to be sure their PSEO schedule does not overlap with any classes at Cotter. Students will not be able to arrive late or leave early from a Cotter class due to their PSEO schedule. Students cannot be enrolled in more than 7 classes, so each PSEO class that a student takes will create an academic resource hour in their Cotter schedule. Some students may be taking their class during this time, while others may have that time to work on their PSEO class work. Please note that students will not receive credit twice for the same course material repeated at the college level. PSEO applications for the fall semester typically need to be completed before May 1, though these deadlines are set by the specific Colleges. Students can direct specific questions to the Academic Advising Office. Click here for frequently asked questions regarding PSEO at Cotter Schools.
Minnesota State College Southeast Connect to College Program (C2C)
C2C is a dual enrollment option through MSC Southeast. Students who enroll in these courses are concurrently enrolled in MSC Southeast. The courses are held at Cotter and taught by Cotter instructors with mentorship from a MSC Southeast Faculty Member. While there is a fee that Cotter is required to pay, this college credit-earning option is free to students. Students are required to take the AP exam for C2C courses that are also AP courses.
