West Allegheny High School students who want to become teachers can complete seven college education courses from Robert Morris University before they’ve even earned their high school diploma.

As part of RMU’s Early College in High School Academy, West Allegheny students would pay only $250 for each course, a total savings of approximately $22,000 for all seven courses.

Those classes, which equal 21 college credits, represent nearly an entire year’s worth of required courses for students who want to become early childhood or K-12 teachers. The courses are part of RMU’s education curriculum, but will be taught by West Allegheny High School teachers. Students enrolled in the program get practical experience through the high school’s on-site preschool.

What’s more, West Allegheny has a similar partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County, in which students can earn up to 24 credits in general core courses including math, science, and history. Those credits transfer directly to RMU, so a student who completed both programs would enter Robert Morris with 45 college credits under their belt.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for West Allegheny students to get real-world teaching experience while completing a substantial portion of their college coursework,” said Mark Meyers, dean of the RMU School of Nursing, Education and Human Studies. “West Allegheny is providing a great service to its students, and we anticipate other school districts will want to follow their example.”

The College in High School Program commences at West Allegheny High School with the 2021-22 academic year.

“We are incredibly excited to enter into the Early Childhood Education partnership with RMU as part of West Allegheny’s Early College in High School Academy,” said Jerri Lynn Lippert, superintendent of the West Allegheny School District. “Our students will have a tremendous benefit to start college early and build their collegiate transcript, ensuring they are prepared to persist, while still in high school and at a significant cost savings. We are extremely appreciative to be able to partner with such a distinguished university.”