At a meeting for prospective parents and students Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center Auditorium, attendees will discover how College of the Mainland Collegiate High School makes it possible to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree.

The presentation will outline the benefits, opportunities and challenges of the program open to students as young as freshmen in Dickinson, Hitchcock, Texas City, Santa Fe and La Marque High Schools and private schools.

Helping students reach their goals since 2004, the COM Collegiate High School allows students to take all their high school and college classes at the COM campus while remaining eligible for extracurricular activities at their home high school.

Students also take transitions classes, which offer tips on study habits, time management and life skills to prepare them for success at a university or in the workforce.

“Many of our graduates successfully continue their education at a university,” said Collegiate High School principal Sandi Belcher. “Others enter the workforce with their associate degree, which prepares them to earn much more than if they only had a high school diploma.”

The Collegiate High School has helped students excel academically and socially.

"(Professors) challenged you but were willing to give extra help if you ever needed it,” said Kelsey Buchanan, Collegiate High School 2013 valedictorian, who is now pursing a bachelor’s degree at Baylor University. “I know what to expect and who to talk to in college. I couldn’t have asked for a better transition. I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

To learn more about this cost and time-saving program, call 409-933-8169 or visit www.com.edu/chs.