This week, the Tennessee Department of Education, in collaboration with districts and schools across the state, is celebrating the unique role early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs) play in preparing students for college and career during the 6th annual EPSO Week, happening October 18-22.
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
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Local Dual Credit
Statewide Dual Credit (SDC)
Student Industry Certification
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 Lauderdale County, are leveraging dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities to maximize the number of college credits students can earn during their high school experience.
Lauderdale County high school students are able to receive specialized industry certifications based on completed coursework and examinations. Current industry certifications offered in LCS include: