She Started College in High School — and Graduated With Two Degrees at Once

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Nimitz High School student Sophia Villatoro earned her associate degree from Lone Star College before crossing the stage at her high school graduation. Dual credit is an opportunity for high school students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously, accelerating degree completion and saving on tuition.

Dual credit courses allow students to experience college-level academics while still in high school.

Sophia Villatoro didn’t wait until after high school to start college. She started as a sophomore.

The Nimitz High School senior student took advantage of Aldine ISD’s dual credit program, enrolling in college courses through Lone Star College’s North Harris Campus while still earning her high school diploma. By the time she was ready to walk across her high school graduation stage, she had already earned her associate degree from LSC.

In a video produced by Lone Star College System, Sophia shares her experience in her own words — why she chose to pursue dual credit, what the program taught her, and what she is taking away from an experience that gave her a two-year head start on her college education.

“I started college in high school,” she says — and her story proves exactly what that means in practice.

What Is Dual Credit?

Sophia walks the Lone Star College commencement stage to receive her two-year degree.

Dual credit — sometimes called dual enrollment — allows high school students to take college-level courses that count simultaneously toward their high school graduation requirements and a college degree or certificate. At Aldine ISD, eligible students can earn college credit at little or no cost while still in high school, giving them the opportunity to graduate ahead of schedule, reduce future tuition costs, and enter college or a career with real academic experience already under their belts.

The program is designed for students who are ready for a challenge — and it is more accessible than many families realize.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that makes the Accelerate strategic plan real,” said Dr. Susan Pelezo, Aldine ISD executive director of advanced academics. “Sophia’s story shows what is possible when a student leans into the programs available to them. She graduated with choices that most students don’t have until years later. That is what we want for every Aldine ISD student.”

A Head Start That Changes Everything

Click on the image to watch Sophia’s Lone Star College experience.

Students who complete dual credit courses before graduating from high school gain more than just credits — they gain confidence, time, and a financial advantage. Depending on the courses completed, a student can enter college as a sophomore or even a junior, saving thousands of dollars in tuition and getting to their career faster.

For families who may wonder whether college is financially within reach, dual credit is one of the most powerful tools available — and it starts in high school.

Aldine ISD partners with Lone Star College, the University of Houston System, and other higher education institutions to offer dual credit opportunities across multiple campuses. Additionally, Houston City College and San Jacinto Community college offer dual credit at some specialty Choice School campuses like Carver High School, Blanson CTE High School, and the HEAL Program at Nimitz High School. Students interested in the program should speak with their high school counselor or visit the Aldine ISD Advanced Academics Department page for more information.