Decatur High Offering Advantage Academy

is now accepting applications for an innovative new dual-enrollment, dual-credit program that lets students earn a college associate degree while they complete high school.

The DeVry Advantage Academy program is a partnership between Decatur High School and DeVry University, offering students an opportunity to earn their associate degree in health information technology during their junior and senior year of high school.

DeVry Advantage Academy classes will begin on August 2, the first day of the 2011-2012 school year. Eligible students who have completed their ninth and tenth grade courses by June 1, 2011, are welcome to apply. Advantage Academy enrollment qualifications are outlined below.

To be eligible for the Decatur High School Advantage Academy, students must have completed ninth and tenth grade by June 2011, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, and a 90 percent attendance record.

"Advantage Academy gives our students a chance to accelerate their education, gain new career opportunities and earn a college associate degree all at the same time," said Lauri McKain, principal of Decatur High School.

In the Advantage Academy program, Decatur High School teachers will lead high school courses, while DeVry University professors will teach the college courses. All classes will be held at Decatur High School. After they graduate, students can enter the workforce or enroll in a four-year bachelor's degree program, either at DeVry or another university.

Just like traditional DeVry University students, Advantage Academy students will have access to all university facilities and services including libraries and laboratories, tutoring, mentoring, membership in student organizations and career/employment assistance. Students will not be responsible for tuition, books and charges for all eligible courses.

The DeVry Advantage Academy at Decatur High School is the third of four Advantage Academy programs in the U.S. DeVry created Advantage Academy in partnership with Chicago Public Schools under the leadership of then-CEO Arne Duncan in 2004. A similar program opened in Columbus, Ohio in 2006, and a Houston Advantage Academy program will open in August 2011.

Interested participants must attend an Advantage Academy information session, complete the Advantage Academy application form, successfully complete the DeVry University placement test, and submit a completed recommendation.