UPDATED: Cleveland Heights High's R.E.A.L. Students Can Earn Credit From John Carroll

This article was originally published at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6.

Students in one of 's small schools can now earn college credit from John Carroll University.

The program, officially approved the school board at its Sept. 4 meeting, will allow students in the R.E.A.L. Early College small school to earn up to two years of college credit and starts this academic year.

Students can enroll in their junior or senior years, and they will also take electives at Heights High "to ensure they still receive a high school experience," the district wrote in a press release about the program. They can also still participate in clubs and activities.

Forty-nine students are enrolled.

“This partnership with JCU will expose Early College students to a real college setting and college-level academics. It will build their confidence and make higher education affordable, a reality some didn’t think possible,” said Marc Aden, R.E.A.L. Early College principal, in a media release about the partnership. “Successful participation in the early college high school experience will also significantly increase our students' opportunities to complete their bachelor degree program after their completion of high school.”   

To be eligible, students must "demonstrate mastery" in high school courses and pass the Ohio Graduation Test. They must also be accepted into the University Heights college and meet established classroom standards for all students enrolled on the John Carroll University campus.

Students in the Heights High's three other small schools can transfer to the R.E.A.L. School if they want to participate in this program.

Heights High and John Carroll University will provide academic support for students as they transition onto a college campus.