At the December 8 Board of Education meeting, Lansing High School Principal Alan Penrose shared how LHS is continuing to grow opportunities that help students graduate prepared for college, careers, or both.
Kansas has recently added an important expectation for high schools: along with meeting graduation requirements, students are encouraged to earn Postsecondary Assets (PSAs) before they leave high school. These assets include accomplishments like college credit, industry certifications, workplace learning experiences, and strong scores on state or national assessments.
Principal Penrose explained that Lansing High School has been intentionally expanding programs that allow students to begin building their futures early while still in high school.
Three Key Opportunities for LHS Students
Lansing High School currently offers three main pathways for students to earn postsecondary assets:
1. Dual Credit / College Courses
Dual credit allows students to earn high school and college credit at the same time. LHS partners primarily with UMKC, along with Baker University, University of St. Mary, and other colleges when approved.
Principal Penrose noted that research consistently shows students who complete dual credit courses in high school are more likely to enroll in college, persist through their first year, and graduate on time.
This year, the district’s partnership with UMKC has expanded significantly:
13 LHS teachers are now credentialed as UMKC instructors.
Dual credit courses grew from 8 last year to 23 this year.
101 students are enrolled in dual credit, earning a total of 667 college credit hours.
That averages to roughly two college courses per student in the program, a strong start toward college completion and cost savings for families.
2. Advanced Placement (AP)
AP courses have long been a part of the LHS experience. These classes provide college-level rigor and give students the chance to earn credit through standardized AP exams.
LHS continues to see strong participation:
394 AP seats are filled across LHS course offerings.
228 students are enrolled in at least one AP class.
By grade level:
Seniors: 58 students (about one-third of the senior class) averaging about two AP courses each
Juniors: 99 students (nearly half of juniors) also averaging close to two AP courses
Sophomores: 51 students
Freshmen: 20 students, primarily in AP European History
Principal Penrose recognized that students often take both AP and dual credit in the same course, keeping their options open depending on their future college plans.
3. Technical Training and Certification Programs
LHS students also have access to hands-on vocational and technical programs that lead to industry certifications. These courses are offered through partnerships with Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) and Highland Community College.
Current student participation includes programs such as:
CNA
HVAC
Electrical
Construction
Diesel mechanics
Welding
Auto technology
Fire science
Engineering technology
These programs provide valuable career skills and credentials, and tuition costs are largely covered by the state. Students may pay small lab or materials fees, but the overall cost is significantly reduced.
Real Financial Value for Families
Principal Penrose highlighted that these programs not only prepare students academically and professionally, they also reduce barriers. Examples of savings include:
UMKC dual credit: about $75 per credit hour
AP exams: around $100 per test
Technical programs: little to no tuition cost
For many students, this means entering college or the workforce with a head start and fewer expenses.
Looking Ahead
Principal Penrose closed by sharing three priorities for next steps:
Support dual-credit instructors through review of stipends and training needs as the program continues to grow.
Expand partnerships that increase access to certification programs, internships, mentorships, and apprenticeships.
Identify high-need career areas and explore adding more in-district options when external seats are limited.
As more students seek certification and career pathways, LHS plans to keep strengthening opportunities so every student can leave high school with meaningful preparation for what comes next.