By During the 2023-2024 academic year, the number of Houston ISD students enrolled in an OnRamps course quadrupled. OnRamps equips students and teachers with the skills needed for success in the classroom and beyond through its dual enrollment model. This model grants students a TSIA exemption and the chance to earn college credit while still attending their local high school. The courses are developed by The University of Texas at Austin.
More than 3,500 HISD students took OnRamps courses during the first year of the state takeover, compared to 941 the previous year. The number of students earning college credit also surged, rising from 504 to 2,260, as first reported by the Houston Chronicle.
The sharp increase comes as part of HISD’s broader effort to prioritize advanced academic coursework. Andree Osagie, HISD’s Deputy Director for College, Career, and Military Readiness, emphasized that expanding dual enrollment is now a “top priority” for the district. Osagie explained that principals and campus leaders are being encouraged to offer as many dual enrollment, dual credit, and AP courses as possible. The goal is to create multiple pathways for students to access advanced academics, helping them gain a competitive edge for higher education and future careers.
Alongside OnRamps, the district also reported moderate growth in other advanced coursework options. Enrollment in International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual credit classes increased by roughly 8%, while Advanced Placement (AP) courses saw a 3% rise. However, the 280% growth in OnRamps enrollment far outpaced these programs.
The number of HISD campuses offering dual enrollment courses more than doubled, increasing from 15 to 33 schools. Sharpstown High School led the district with nearly 320 students enrolled in OnRamps, 243 of whom earned college credit.
HISD leaders see the expansion of OnRamps as a key step toward better preparing students for higher education. By offering more opportunities to earn college credit, the district aims to give students a head start on their academic and career paths. Earning college credit in high school can reduce the cost of higher education and ease the transition to more rigorous college coursework. This remarkable progress underscores HISD’s commitment to expanding college credit opportunities and boosting student success.
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