At Portland Adventist Academy, students are not just preparing for high school graduation; they’re preparing for life beyond it. One of the ways PAA equips students for success is through its Advanced Placement and dual credit programs, designed to bridge the gap between high school and college learning.
The purpose isn’t simply to give students college credits before graduation, explained PAA staff. It’s to give them meaningful exposure to college-level thinking and expectations.
For many PAA students — particularly those who may be first-generation college students — these courses provide an invaluable opportunity to develop the habits, skills and confidence needed for higher education. Currently, 49% of PAA’s student body is enrolled in AP or Dual Credit classes, reflecting both interest and accessibility.
PAA students take these classes on campus with their own teachers. This allows for personalized instruction, mentorship and the opportunity to study subjects deeply and deliberately over an entire academic year rather than a fast-paced college semester or quarter.
“The slower pace and face-to-face teaching give students time to really digest the material,” said one instructor. “It’s an ideal transition between high school and college expectations.”
In addition to earning early college credit, students learn rigor, discipline and high-level critical thinking — essential tools for academic and career success. Through classes spanning science, math, English, technology and history, students not only strengthen study habits but also explore potential career paths.
At PAA, education is about more than academics; it’s about developing purpose and preparedness. Through these college-level opportunities, students are discovering both what they can achieve and who God is calling them to become.
