Potsdam High seniors to split time with Clarkson

POTSDAM — Twelve high school students will split their time this fall between high school classrooms and those of Clarkson University.

The seniors were accepted to enroll in one class at the university each semester for the year. They will be the first students to participate in the program, where they will enroll in Clarkson classes with college students.

The program is the brainchild of Potsdam High School Principal Joann M. Chambers and Clarkson provost Thomas C. Young. The high school was interested in starting the program because of this year's cuts to education, and the potential for more in years to come.

"Unfortunately, we're in a situation where we need to cut back on some of our offerings," said district superintendent Patrick H. Brady. "This year the district did make cuts to areas of electives, not so much in the area of AP but next year's forecast is even more difficult than this year. Having these options for our students is important."

The district was forced to cut 18 full-time equivalent staff positions to trim the 2010-11 budget.

The partnership has been in the works for most of the year. High-achieving students were encouraged to apply for the program, submitting a letter of recommendation, transcript and information about their interests. Potsdam vetted the applications before sending twelve on to the university for final acceptance, according to Mr. Young.

The university already has the Clarkson School, which allows students to skip their final year of high school to enroll in Clarkson. This program is similar, but smaller and the students are enrolled at their high school, rather than Clarkson. But the students are of a similar caliber.

"It certainly doesn't go as far as the Clarkson School but it does provide them a challenging academic experience," Mr. Young said. "I would say they are quite comparable. Generally speaking, the ones we would be admitting through this partnership would be academically on a par with the Clarkson School student."

Students at the Clarkson School need to be enrolled at Clarkson so financial aid applies to them. For the partnership with Potsdam High School, students don't pay a dime. A three-credit course at Clarkson costs $3,408. A four-credit course is $4,544.

The students do not yet know what class they will be enrolled in, though it will correspond with their interests as long as there is space in the class. Once the incoming freshman class schedule is complete, the high school students will be placed. If they do well, they will be able to sign up for a second class in the spring.

"It gives some of our high-achieving students an opportunity to experience early-on the college environment," Mr. Brady said. "I think it's helpful for the university because students may want to go there full-time and also for the district because in the future, we may not be in the position to offer our students such a wide array of coursework."