CIS provides meaningful benefits for students who want a rigorous college-level experience while staying supported in the high school environment.   Key advantages include:

• • Earn real college credit from accredited partner institutions.

  • MN Transfer Curriculum: CIS courses may count toward the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum 

  • Take classes on the MHS campus, with no travel required.

  • Learn from MHS teachers who are trained and approved by the partnering colleges.

  • Experience college-level rigor with additional support built into the high school setting.

  • Stay connected to athletics, activities, and the school community, unlike PSEO where students leave campus.

  • Scheduling that works around high school commitments.

  • Significant potential cost savings—some students reduce their college timeline by a full year or more, saving thousands of dollars.

  • Build confidence and readiness for future CIS, AP, or PSEO coursework.

Students who succeed in CIS are motivated, organized, and ready to take ownership of their learning—qualities that help them thrive in CIS and prepare them for success in future college classes and academic opportunities. They often: 

• Manage their time effectively and stay organized, balancing coursework, studying, and other commitments.

• Maintain strong study habits, dedicating regular time for classwork and homework to keep up with rigorous material.

• Take initiative in their learning, asking questions and seeking support when needed.

• Meet MHS and college eligibility requirements, including grade level, GPA, or prerequisite standards for each course.

• Approach challenges with self-direction and motivation, embracing the rigor of college-level coursework.

While CIS courses offer valuable college credit and rigorous learning, students and families should keep the following in mind:

• Course rigor: CIS courses are as challenging as college-level classes taken on campus (PSEO).

• Transcripts & GPA: CIS grades appear on both high school and college transcripts.

• Credit transfer: Transferability depends on the college or university where the eventual degree is completed.

• Multiple college records: Students may have records at more than one institution, requiring multiple transcript requests