Stephenville ISD Signs Tarleton State’s Dual Enrollment Pact

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Leaders from Tarleton State, Stephenville, Erath County and the Texas Legislature were on hand last week for the signing of a dual enrollment agreement between the university and the Stephenville Independent School District. The partnership with SISD is the first of many more to come. From left are Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien, Rep. DeWayne Burns (Dist. 58), Tarleton President James Hurley, SISD Superintendent Eric Cederstrom, Rep. Shelby Slawson (Dist. 59) and Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee.

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Beginning fall 2023, Stephenville High School students can earn university credit for college algebra, precalculus, animal science and agricultural economics before they graduate, thanks to Tarleton State’s new dual enrollment program, Tarleton Today.

Tarleton and Stephenville Independent School District leaders inked the agreement last week.

“Earning university credit while still in high school will give these students a jump-start on their post-secondary degree, saving them time and money while they learn from our incredible faculty,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “Ensuring that all students have an opportunity to reach full potential is in our DNA, and we are supremely passionate about it.”

Tarleton already collaborates with more than 350 school districts statewide, including Stephenville, through its nationally acclaimed Distinguished High School Partners outreach. Launched in 2020, the program guarantees admission and provides annual scholarships to qualifying seniors. 

Students participating in Tarleton Today will take university courses over a traditional school year, receiving the high school portion of their instruction from their high school teacher and the university portion from a Tarleton professor. In addition to course content, Tarleton faculty will empower students with university-ready skills and provide professional development for collaborating teachers.

Tarleton is developing dual enrollment opportunities with school districts throughout Texas.

“Dual enrollment prepares students for what to expect at the next level and sets them up for success,” said Dr. Eric Cederstrom, Stephenville ISD Superintendent. “We will strategically evaluate our dual enrollment offerings to ensure they meet our students’ needs. 

“We’re grateful for our longstanding partnership with Tarleton and look forward to piloting a program certain to be a nationwide model. Together, we’re increasing educational opportunities for our hometown students.” 

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.
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