FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KOKOMO, IN — High school is changing, and Kokomo High School is leading the way. On April 6, 2026, Kokomo High School (KHS) was officially recognized as an endorsed Early College High School. This designation from the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis serves as a state-wide seal of approval, confirming that our students are receiving a top-tier collegiate experience right here on our KHS campus.
This endorsement ensures that KHS students can earn up to two full years of college credit—including a full Associate Degree—at no cost to students or their families. Currently, KHS is the only school in Howard County to provide this comprehensive, state-endorsed framework, allowing our students to complete entire blocks of college requirements before they ever walk across the graduation stage.
What This Means for Our KHS Wildkats
The Early College model at KHS is built on the belief that every student is capable of reaching higher goals when they have the right support. For Wildkat families, this is more than a credential because it represents a promise of massive tuition savings and a clear path to future careers. By integrating college-level courses into the daily high school schedule, Wildkats can earn:
The Indiana College Core (ICC): A 30-hour block of credits guaranteed to transfer to any public university in Indiana.
An Associate Degree: Two full years of college completed before they even walk across the graduation stage.
Technical Credentials: Certifications that lead directly into high-paying careers.
Significant Dual Credit: Head-start hours that reduce the time and cost of a four-year degree.
Real Savings for Real Families
The most important part of this program is the direct financial benefit to Kokomo High School students and their families. The impact of this program is best seen in the individual savings for a KHS family. By completing these college credits at KHS, our Wildkat students are bypassing the rising costs of traditional university tuition.
The KHS Difference | What You Save |
|---|---|
30 Credits (ICC) | Approximately $10,000 in college tuition savings for KHS students |
60 Credits (Associate Degree) | Approximately $20,000+ in college tuition savings for KHS students |
5,392 Total Hours | The total volume of dual college credit earned by our KHS Class of 2025 students |
$1.7 Million+ | Estimated Tuition Savings kept in our local economy |
A Support System Built for Success
What makes this endorsement special is that it’s about providing academic opportunity for every student who puts forth the effort. The state’s review confirmed that KHS provides the rigor of a college campus with the personalized support that KHS offers.
Securing this status was the result of a focused effort by KHS instructors and counselors who worked together to align curriculum and build the support systems—like specialized tutoring and guided pathways—that allow students to thrive in advanced coursework.
"This endorsement is the result of our staff's commitment to ensure our students have every advantage possible. This is about more than just a graduation milestone; it is about giving our students a transcript that is already working for them. By conquering these tough courses together with our staff, our Wildkats can step into their future with the confidence and the financial freedom they deserve." — Angela Blessing, Kokomo High School Principal
The Gold Standard for Credits That Count
Our partnership with CELL at the University of Indianapolis ensures that the credits earned at Kokomo High School meet the rigorous academic standards required by universities across the state. This means when a Wildkat earns a credit, it carries the same weight and validity as a course taken on a college campus, allowing our students to move forward with confidence.
A Proven Path to Graduation
Early College High Schools are delivering measurable results across Indiana. Students who participate in these programs enroll in and graduate from college at significantly higher rates than their peers. For Kokomo, this means our graduates are entering the workforce or higher education faster, with more confidence, and with a major financial head start.
Are you ready to start your journey toward a college degree today?
Enroll now and take advantage of the only endorsed Early College program in our area. At Kokomo High School, we believe legacy matters, and we are here to help you build yours.
Contact the KHS Counseling Department with any Early College questions or to begin planning your graduation pathway, the Wildkat Way.