Advanced Opportunities (AO) is a program provided by the Idaho State Department of Education. The AO program provides $4,625 in funding to students who want to take advanced course work while attending an Idaho public school in grades 7-12. These AO funds can be utilized toward costs that students may incur for the following course or exam options:

Overload Courses
Overload courses are high school courses that are taken in excess of a student’s full course load and outside the regular school day. Students can use funds up to $225 per eligible course.

Dual Credits
A dual credit course is a college course taken for both high school and college credit. Dual credit courses are generally taken concurrently within the high school classroom during the school day. Dual credit course offerings differ at each high school. Students can request funding for up to $75 per credit.

Exams
Students can use funds to pay for the full cost of many exams (including proctoring fees). Exams can include: College Entrance Exams (CEE), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Career Technical Education (CTE) professional certifications.

Workforce Training
Students can use funds for approved courses that directly relate to workforce needs.

Early Graduation Scholarship
The Early Graduation Scholarship is a scholarship available to Idaho public school students, who graduate at least one full year early. This equates to an estimated $2,400 per skipped year. The award amount will double for students who graduate two years early and will triple for students who graduate three years early. Students must attend an Idaho public college to utilize this scholarship.

For additional information, please see Advanced Opportunities resources provided below.