Early graduation can be more than simply allowing students to end their high school career a year before everyone else. For junior Irelynn Collins, it is a way to escape from the everyday problems of high school.
“I decided to graduate early because I was getting tired of high school and all the drama,” Irelynn Collins said. “I will have to pass every class I take from here on out, but I don’t think it will be more work.”
In order to graduate early, students must fill out a form and show their plan to complete all of the credits required, including all four years of communication arts classes. This typically involves taking less electives and signing up for courses over the summer. Students also have the option of taking additional classes online.
Irelynn Collins is looking forward to beginning to work on her long-term goals.
“I am planning to start college and work full time after I graduate,” Irelynn Collins said. “If you have plans in life, why not jump start them early?”
Irelynn Collins’ younger brother, freshman Jack Collins, supports her decision to finish high school early.
“I think it is great that she is graduating early,” Jack Collins said. “I think she is ready to move on to college and then to the workforce.”
On average, approximately 12 students graduate early from high schools at capacity. There are currently 3 students planning to finish school early this year.
But not every student supports early graduation. Freshman Haley Catron does not believe it is beneficial for students.
“They would have to wait to go to college and forget what they learned,” Catron said.
Guidance counselor Kevin Halfmann believes there is no obvious benefit to early graduation in general, but it all depends on the person.
Early graduation could potentially send a message that you are not serious academically, Halfmann said. Completing all four years of high school gives you the full senior year experience and more academic preparation. But for some students early graduation is helpful, such as if they need to work or need the money for college.
Deciding whether or not early graduation is the right fit for a student completely depends on the person. Jack Collins believes that it is the right path for his older sister to take.
“Irelynn has always wanted to be ahead of the game, and I think she is ready,” Jack Collins said. “It is just the way she is.”
