College in the Schools (CIS) – Student Information
College in the Schools (CIS) is a concurrent enrollment program administered by Central Lakes College (CLC) in partnership with regional high schools and accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). The CIS program gives high schools an opportunity to strengthen their academic course offerings while allowing students to earn college credit. Concurrent enrollment courses are taught by college-credentialed high school instructors in collaboration with CLC faculty members. Students gain exposure to the academic challenges of college and strengthen their study skills while learning in their high school environment.
CLC CIS Admission Steps
STEP 1. Submit CLC Application
See Steps to Complete CIS/PSEO Application document for detailed information.
STEP 2. Send current high school transcript to CLC
Work with your high school counselor to have an official high school transcript sent directly to CLC.
STEP 3. Required documentation based on your grade and high school GPA
12th Grade if your… High School GPA is 2.5 or higher no additional documentation is required; your application is complete.
OR High School GPA is below 2.5 submit a CE Admission Appeal which requires a letter of support from your high school counselor.
11th Grade if your… High School GPA is 3.0 or higher no additional documentation is required; your application is complete.
OR High School GPA is below 3.0 submit a CE Admission Appeal which requires a letter of support from your high school counselor.
10th Grade if your… High School GPA is 3.0 or higher submit a letter of support from your high school counselor.
OR High School GPA is below 3.0 submit a CE Admission Appeal which requires a letter of support from your high school counselor.
CLC CIS Course Placement
Reading College Level / Writing College Level: High School GPA 2.6 or higher allows registration for most Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) coursework, including ENGL 1410 Composition I.
Algebra College Level: High School GPA 2.8 or higher AND successful completion of HS Algebra II (C- or higher) allows registration for college level math coursework.
NOTE! Students who do not meet course placement requirements based on High School GPA may opt to use MCA, ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer test scores. Find more information about Determining Course Placement and CLC Placement Levels online.
CIS students who do not meet prerequisite requirements for a specific course may work with their high school instructor to complete a CIS Prerequisite Waiver Form, final approval of this waiver request will be made by CLC faculty collaborator.
CLC CIS Registration
Students work with their high school counselor to register for courses using e-Services or another method as determined by their school. A Minnesota State student may earn a maximum of 22 credits per term.
Achieve Success!
CLC is committed to providing CIS students with the same opportunities for learning, connection, and accountability as all other CLC students. Students should visit the CLC Advising webpage to learn more about the tools and resources available to them. CIS Students can participate in student activities and events, check out the CLC Student Life webpage for more information.
CIS students are expected to adhere to the same academic and conduct standards as all CLC students, please review the CLC College Policies webpage for additional information. CLC encourages students to resolve issues of complaint on your own; however, if they cannot do so, please follow the Student Complaint Process.
NACEP Accreditation
The CLC College in the Schools (CIS) program has been accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) since 2012, our current accreditation is valid through 2026. Accreditation serves as a guarantee to students, policy-makers, and other postsecondary institutions that the accredited partnership meets rigorous national standards.
Updated 11/13/2023
