College in the Schools (CITS)

Grand Rapids High School

College in the Schools (CITS) College Credit Pathway

2024/2025

CITS Pathway

UMD credit offered at GRHS

College in the Schools is a concurrent enrollment program in conjunction with the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Concurrent enrollment allows students to earn both college and high school credit in a course. The courses are University of Minnesota Regents approved courses taught by Grand Rapids High School teachers approved as UMD adjunct professors. Grades and credits are recorded on a permanent, official UMD transcript. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to register with UMD and have the opportunity to earn College Credit through high school courses.

$27,910.40 in tuition savings alone by taking CITS at GRHS *

Benefit of taking College in the Schools

The College in the Schools (CITS) program through UMD offers college level curriculum in the high school setting. Students are able to select a challenging balance of courses offered at GRHS. Students have the ability to explore the depths of interests, develop skills necessary to be successful at the college level and earn University of Minnesota Duluth credit while taking classes in high school.

International Baccalaureate and CITS

Another benefit of the College in the Schools opportunity at Grand Rapids High School, is the partnership between the CITS coursework and the International Baccalaureate program. Not only do students taking IB/CITS courses get the benefit of UMD credit but students also challenge themselves with the most rigorous college preparatory currlculum offered at GRHS through the IB Program. Click here for more information on the IB program.

Why CITS

On top of the preparedness students attain from College in the Schools credit, transfer rates of the CITS courses offered at Grand Rapids High School is also very high. Not only are students earning college credit but the credit earned is also satisfying requirements for students as they set off to their schools of choice. A survey of college students who participated in CITS courses indicated UMD credit transferred successfully into required areas over 95% of the time. Many students entered their first year of college with a high standing due to the credit already attained, students were able to jump directly into high level coursework, and students report more preparedness for the college curriculum as a result of the IB and CITS programs. These benefits can ultimately save time and money and more often students noted that they used the advancement in credit to explore other courses, interests and future education opportunities such as pursing a minor or a double major.

5 reasons to take a CITS course at GRHS

Further develop college readiness skills
Increase your opportunity to earn scholarships and the likelihood of admissions for college
Explore specific fields of student in depth
Make room for diverse experiences
Save time and money by earning college credit

GRHS offers 56 UMD credits through high school courses equaling nearly 2 years of college

Grand Rapids High School College in the Schools Courses

GRHS offers 56 UMD credits which is equal to over $27,910.40 in tuition savings alone, not including the saving benefits of Room and Board, Transportation, books and other college expenses. By taking high school classes, students can save nearly two years of college requirements.

How to prepare for the CITS Program

Listed below are recommended courses to help prepare for the College in the Schools curriculum. The recommended courses provide a knowledge base and encourage further development of skills such as organization, time management, and determination that increase the likelihood of success in the CITS program.

Requirements for the CITS Program: There is no requirement to register for a College in the Schools course at GRHS however, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to register with UMD AND have the opportunity to earn college credit.

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