Career Academy says 1 in 4 graduates earned associate degrees

Career Academy High School in South Bend says 25 seniors earned associate degrees before graduation in the 2025-26 school year, while the school posted an 88% dual-credit participation rate. The results underscore how the school’s Ivy Tech partnership is accelerating college readiness and reducing the time and cost of earning a degree.

Why it matters: - Career Academy High School says more students are leaving high school with college credentials that can cut future tuition costs and shorten the time needed to finish a degree. - The school’s results also point to a stronger college-readiness pipeline for students headed to four-year universities, technical training, the military or the workforce.

What happened: - During the 2025-26 school year, 25 members of Career Academy High School’s graduating class earned an associate degree before receiving a high school diploma. - That means 24% of the Class of 2026 graduated with an associate degree. - Career Academy High School in South Bend, Indiana, recorded an 88% dual-credit participation rate. - A total of 394 students completed dual-credit coursework during the school year. - Based on the regional comparison data available, Career Academy said the 88% participation rate was the highest among the area high schools included in the analysis. - The 88% rate was 26 percentage points higher than the next-highest rate listed in the comparison.

The details: - Career Academy credits its post-secondary partnership with Ivy Tech Community College for expanding access to dual-credit coursework and associate degree pathways. - The partnership allows students to take college-level classes while still in high school. - School leaders say the model helps students reduce college costs, shorten time to degree, build confidence with college-level academics and improve college readiness. - Students who earn an associate degree in high school can enter a four-year university with substantial college credit already completed. - Career Academy’s broader college and career readiness model includes rigorous academics, Career and Technical Education pathways, leadership development, industry-recognized certifications, internships and real-world learning experiences. - The school said students are graduating with meaningful credentials, practical experience and a competitive advantage.

Between the lines: - The results suggest Career Academy is using dual enrollment as more than an add-on program; it is a core part of how the school defines readiness after graduation. - Jeremy Lugbill, CEO of the Career Academy Network of Public Schools, said the outcomes reflect “a fundamental shift in student preparation for their careers.” - The school’s emphasis on credentials and college credit may be especially valuable for families weighing the cost of higher education.

What's next: - Enrollment is continuing for the 2026-27 school year. - Career Academy High School says it will keep focusing on innovative educational opportunities that help students graduate ready for college, careers and life. - The Career Academy Network of Public Schools says it will continue emphasizing project-based learning, community partnerships and preparation for success in college, career and life. - More information is available through the school’s Instagram page and Facebook page.