Imagine starting college while you’re still in high school. At Tupelo High School students are doing just that.

In the bustling halls of  THS, a unique educational experiment is unfolding. Here, high school students are not just preparing for college—they’re in it. This program, one of many sprouting up nationwide, offers high schoolers a chance to tackle college-level courses and earn credits before graduating.

“The goals of Middle College are for students to simultaneously work towards their high school diploma and their associate’s degree through Itawamba Community College and get ahead two years in their educational career.“ Guidance Counselor Brittany Terrell said.

Middle college not only offers an educational head-start but also introduces high school students to a unique environment on the college campus.

“There’s a wide variety of diverse students in the program already with just their extracurriculars and hobbies and things like that. But the students that I have are also exposed to a diverse group of students at ICC. Most of the students at ICC are adult learners. So my kids are the youngest on campus. So not only through their peers, but they are also exposed through different courses they take like literature and different electives like foreign languages that also expose them to different views and cultures as well. “ Guidance Counselor Brittany Terrell said.

Interactions between current ICC college students and Middle College students also serve to help the younger students learn by example.

“As college students, we inspire kids to stay focused in school and help them prepare for their future.” ICC student Shivaria said “Younger students get a perspective of what to expect in the future. “ 

Some students benefit from the unique college environment, and the opportunity lets students key in on their future career paths.

”I think there are several benefits to Middle College. I think one of the neat things that I think about Middle College is that when you graduate, you graduate with a two year college degree and a high school degree at the same time. I think Another benefit is that some people just don’t love coming to a traditional high school setting. And for those kids, who can, I guess, spread their wings and fly a little bit better on the college setting, they get to go ahead and do that. It helps for people like, it also helps for like, if you know that you want to be a doctor, right? You cut yours down, right, you kind of go ahead and start getting the ball rolling and getting your career moving a little bit quicker. Now, some people love their high school, and they just want to take it easy, and you know, do the traditional thing, which is still great. But as far as the benefits, those are the benefits.” Assistant Principle Lucas Smith said.

Middle College at Tupelo High School stands as a beacon of innovation in education, offering students an unprecedented jumpstart on their college and career paths. Through rigorous coursework and a diverse learning environment, students are not only earning their high school diplomas but are also stepping into their futures with associate degrees in hand. As Mrs. Terrell highlighted, the opportunity to experience college life early on is both empowering and challenging, preparing young minds for the complexities of higher education. With students like Shivaria leading by example, Middle College serves as a testament to the drive and potential of today’s youth. As the program continues to grow, it promises to open doors for countless.