In conjunction with the College of DuPage, Indian Prairie School District 204 has set a new standard in education. Frontier Campus offers a college-like setting where high school seniors can earn college credit while completing their high school education.
Frontier Campus
2244 W. 95th Street, Suite 200
Naperville, IL 60564
630.428.5570
Why Frontier Campus?
Over the past two decades, coursework offered in public schools has accelerated, resulting in most subjects shifting down a grade level. As a result, many students are left with a less-than full schedule their senior year. While studies show the best thing a senior can do to get ready for college is take an academically challenging senior year, many of our students have late arrival and early dismissal and very few classes. At the same time, the average student now attends college for five years to earn a bachelor's degree. That extra year of tuition at an Illinois university costs a family on average $7,587, not to mention room and board and textbooks.
In addition to providing a challenging senior year and saving tuition cost, helping our students succeed as they transition into higher education is a priority. Research shows that 17% of students drop out of state colleges and universities during their first year. While there can be many reasons a student fails, transitioning to a new educational environment with an increased academic rigor plays a major role.
Frontier Campus addresses all of these concerns and sets a new standard in education.
Life at Frontier Campus
Frontier Campus offers something unique to seniors. Classes are held away from the main campus in a space shared by District 204 and College of DuPage. Students take classes on a block schedule. As in college, the classes meet for three hours a week during two 90-minute periods on either Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday. Fridays are "Flex" days where students can schedule meetings with teachers for tutoring or to make-up work missed during the week.
Benefits of Frontier Campus
Challenges, Rewards and Freedom
Seniors can take a wide selection of entry-level college courses, challenging themselves while earning college credit. The environment is unique for high school students and very different from what they traditionally experience. The college setting and block schedule create a greater sense of freedom for students.
Students have the opportunity to graduate from high school with a semester of college credit—without having to pay college tuition!
Frontier Campus students taking College of DuPage courses pay only a $10 enrollment fee per semester. While students are responsible for purchasing their college textbooks, the program represents a significant tuition savings for families.
Frontier Campus offers high school students the chance to "test drive" college with a safety net.
Block scheduling closely resembles college life, helping students at Frontier become acquainted with the study skills necessary to succeed in college. Unlike college, if a student's cumulative grade drops below a "C", the student is required to meet with the teacher to receive extra assistance on Fridays. In short, Frontier offers a college opportunity in a college setting with the safety of high school. Our students have the best of both worlds.