Advanced Opportunities and the Fast Forward Program

Advanced Opportunities are a series of course choice options for Idaho students in grades 7-12.  These options allow for students to individualize their high school learning plan to get a jump start on their future. This allows students to not be limited to what their high school offers and include:

• Dual credit,

• Advanced Placement, and

• International Baccalaureate programs.

The Fast Forward Program can provide funding for students who participate in Advanced Opportunities.  The Fast Forward Program allocates $4,125 to every student attending an Idaho public school to use towards Advanced Opportunities in grades 7-12.  Fast Forward funds can be used towards the cost of overload courses, dual credit courses, and exam fees.

Overload Courses are high school level courses that are taken in excess of the student's regular school day.  These courses are offered online, during the school year and summertime.  Fast Forward can be used to pay for overload courses.  These are high school classes that middle school students take outside of their normal classes.  Students can utilize up to $225 per course towards such classes.

Dual Credit Courses are courses that are transcribed on both a student's high school and college transcript.  These courses tend to be a little more rigorous than just a high school credit course.  Through the Fast Forward Program, students can request up to $75 per credit for such credits.  There may be additional costs associated with dual credit courses that are not covered by Fast Forward funds, such as books, lab fees, etc.  It’s important to keep track of the institution(s) through which students receive the dual credit because once students enroll in a postsecondary institution, official transcripts will be needed in order for those credits to count towards their degree.

Idaho Dual Credit Programs

• Boise State University

• Brigham Young University – Idaho

• College of Eastern Idaho

• College of Southern Idaho

• College of Western Idaho

• Idaho State University

• Independent Study in Idaho

• Lewis-Clark State College

• North Idaho College

• Northwest Nazarene University

• University of Idaho

Advanced Opportunities for Middle School Students

• Begin taking high school credits now as early as 7th grade.

• Must be taking a full load.

• Take courses during Fall, Spring, or Summer.

• Dates mostly correspond with our semester dates.

• Courses typically taken through Idaho Digital Learning Alliance.

If you would like to sign your student up for an overload or dual credit course, please contact Sally Bosse at (208) 350-4465 or bosse.sally@westada.org.