What are Early Post Secondary Opportunities [EPSOs]?

Early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs) include a course and/or exam that give students a chance to obtain postsecondary credit while still in high school. In Tennessee, there are eight different types of EPSOs offered widely by districts:

• Advanced Placement (AP)

• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

• Dual Enrollment

• Local Dual Credit

• Statewide Dual Credit (SDC)

• Student Industry Certification

• International Baccalaureate (IB) [not available in our district]

EPSOs have been shown to increase the number of students seamlessly transitioning from high school to postsecondary while helping them also save money on tuition. Districts across the state, including Weakley County, are leveraging dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities to maximize the number of college credits students can earn during their high school experience.

The Tennessee Department of Education, in collaboration with districts and schools across the state, celebrate the unique role EPSOs play in preparing students for college and career for a week each November.