Education is rapidly evolving, creating more opportunities to customize learning and achieve academic goals in flexible, cost-effective ways. One of the most innovative partnerships in this space is between VLACS (Virtual Learning Academy Charter School), Modern States, and the College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
This collaboration allows students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, benefiting high school students, adult learners, and anyone looking to advance their education. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this partnership works, its benefits, and how to get started.
Understanding CLEP: A Gateway to College Credit
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) enables students to earn college credit by demonstrating their mastery of college-level material across various subjects. With 34 different exams available, CLEP covers a wide range of topics, from College Algebra and Biology to U.S. History and English Literature.
These exams reflect the content of college courses typically taught in the first two years of a degree program, allowing students to earn anywhere from 3 to 12 college credits per exam, depending on the subject and score.
CLEP offers significant advantages, particularly in cost savings. By earning college credits through CLEP, students can reduce the number of courses they need to take (and pay for) once they enroll in college, shortening the time required to graduate and alleviating the financial burden of higher education.
With CLEP exams accepted by over 2,900 colleges and universities, this is a widely recognized option for earning college credit.
Modern States: Making College Accessible and Affordable
Modern States Education Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making college more accessible and affordable. Their flagship program, “Freshman Year for Free,” offers free online courses designed to prepare students for CLEP exams. These courses, taught by professors from top universities, cover the same material typically taught in college-level courses.
Modern States remove one of the biggest barriers to higher education—cost. The organization covers all CLEP exam fees, including remote proctoring or testing center costs. This means students can earn college credit at no cost, making higher education more accessible, especially for adult learners who may be balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
VLACS: The Driving Force Behind Your Success
VLACS integrates Modern States courses into its curriculum, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. As a New Hampshire Department of Education-approved online school, VLACS provides the support and structure students need to succeed in their education.
How CLEP Preparation Courses Work with VLACS
- Course Enrollment: Students begin by enrolling in a Modern States course through VLACS. Available courses cover subjects like Biology, College Composition, Principles of Marketing, Financial Accounting, and more. These courses prepare students for CLEP exams.
- Course Completion: Students work through the course material at their own pace. VLACS enhances the experience by offering personalized instructor support, including feedback, assessments, and additional resources, ensuring students master the course competencies.
- Taking the CLEP Exam: After completing the course, students can request a voucher from Modern States to cover the CLEP exam fee. The exam can be taken at an authorized testing center or online via remote proctoring, providing flexibility for all learners.
- Earning Credits: Successfully passing the CLEP exam allows students to earn high school credit through VLACS and college credit transferable to a wide range of institutions. This dual-credit system accelerates students’ educational journeys and strengthens their academic records for college applications.
Why the VLACS, Modern States, and CLEP Partnership Works for All Learners
The partnership between VLACS, Modern States, and CLEP offers a unique and powerful pathway for students of all ages:
- Cost Savings: With Modern States covering the cost of CLEP exams, students can earn high school and college credits without incurring additional expenses, resulting in substantial savings on college tuition.
- Flexible Learning: The self-paced nature of the courses fits around existing coursework for high school students and allows adult learners to balance studies with work and family commitments. VLACS ensures that students have access to support, regardless of location or schedule.
- Dual Credit Advantage: By enrolling through VLACS, students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, accelerating their education and reducing financial strain.
- Personalized Support: VLACS provides a structured learning environment with certified instructors who guide students through the material, ensuring they are well-prepared for CLEP exams.
Success Stories: Real-World Impact
The power of accessible and flexible educational opportunities is best seen through the experiences of students and adult learners who have leveraged Modern States and CLEP. These stories, drawn from learners who utilized Modern States and CLEP, show how accessible, flexible, and cost-effective educational pathways can transform lives.
- James Hulce: Despite facing significant health challenges, James earned 30 college credits through Modern States and CLEP. The support and flexibility offered by VLACS allowed him to overcome these obstacles and progress toward his degree. Read more.
- Jacob Mutter: A high school salutatorian, Jacob utilized the VLACS curriculum to earn college credits through Modern States. This significantly advanced his academic career at Tennessee Tech University, demonstrating how high school students can benefit from this program. Learn more.
- Charlie Tobler: Charlie earned 48 college credits and graduated from Thomas Edison State University, highlighting how VLACS, paired with Modern States and CLEP, can streamline and enhance educational pathways. Discover his journey.
Earn High School and College Credit through CLEP courses at VLACS
Whether you’re a high school student or an adult learner, VLACS is here to support your educational journey. Visit the VLACS Learning Catalog to explore available courses and start earning both high school and college credits today.
Advance Your Future with VLACS, Modern States, and CLEP
VLACS, in partnership with Modern States and CLEP, offers a flexible and cost-effective educational pathway for students of all ages.
Whether you’re looking to save money on tuition, accelerate your path to graduation, or return to school as an adult learner, VLACS is your key to unlocking your full potential.
