60 College Credits for Free before Graduating KWoods
Some Kensington Woods (KWoods) students are already wrapping up their university coursework before they even walk across the high school graduation stage!
Our 13th grade/Early College Program is a complete reimagining of what can be accomplished ahead of time, and we are proud to have it built into our curriculum. Best of all? KWoods makes our partnership with Washtenaw Community College (WCC) and Cleary University tuition-free.
How Students Earn 60 College Credits for Free Before High School Graduation
Starting in 8th grade with Experience Day, KWoods students get their first campus exposure. Students can enroll in Early College coursework beginning in 10th or 11th grade, with preparatory classes available for interested 9th graders. This early exposure removes the mystery from higher education. Students become familiar with campus life before they need to depend on it for their future success.
What Graduates Accomplish with Early College Credits
Some KWoods alumni enter four-year universities as juniors, completing bachelor's degrees in two additional years. Others use their certifications to start careers immediately, earning competitive salaries and avoiding student debt.
Other graduates combine both paths. They’re working part-time in certified fields while completing their final college years generating income, work experience, and educational advancement. Our students can earn associate degrees, professional certifications, or participate in registered apprenticeships through our program.
Through WCC or Cleary University, students pursue transferable associate degrees in General Studies, Computer Science Programming, or Human Services, or earn career-focused certificates in welding, automotive services, robotics, advanced manufacturing, graphic design, 3D animation, or audio production.
Why Small Class Sizes Matter for College Success
When we mention that our classes are small, it’s because we know how crucial that tight circle is for individual student success in college coursework. With a small student-teacher ratio, KWoods’ educators track each student's academic growth and provide targeted support if challenging college material becomes overwhelming.
Our attention extends beyond grades. KWoods faculty help students navigate college registration, academic calendars, and campus resources. We write detailed recommendation letters based on years of personal interaction, giving our students an advantage in competitive university admissions processes.
What College Coursework Actually Requires
Parents wonder if teenagers can handle genuine college assignments. KWoods students complete the same research papers, laboratory experiments, and exams as traditional college students, with college faculty maintaining full academic standards.
The key difference is structured support during challenging coursework. Our students develop essential skills like academic writing, research methodology, and critical analysis before entering four-year colleges. When our graduates transfer, they've already mastered college-level expectations and study techniques that typically overwhelm first-year students.
Your student's post-graduation plan doesn't have to wait until senior year—it can start now with real college credits that transfer anywhere. Schedule a conversation with our Early College team to see if this accelerated path matches your family's goals and your student's interests. It’s not too late to enroll for 2025-2026!
About Kensington Woods
Kensington Woods (KWoods) is a public, tuition-free charter school serving grades 6-13 in Livingston County, Michigan. Our small class sizes and experiential learning provide students with a strong foundation for post secondary education. Through our Early College Program, hands-on learning, and creative curriculum, our students can earn up to 60 college credits before graduation. KWoods’ mission is to guide each student on their personal educational journey, whether their path leads to university, technical programs, or professional certification. Consistently ranked one of the best schools in Livingston County! Join us for 2025-2026.