Depending on how many classes your child takes and when they start, they can almost finish the 15 or so GE lower division requirement classes for a 4 yr degree (at least that’s how it is working out for our kids here in CA). For example; our one daughter will have her AA degree and almost all her GEs finished by the time she graduates from high school. She started college at 14.

Some people don’t realize that kids can go to college before they finish high school. In California it is free–maybe it is in your state as well. Good parents have their students do all the work of AP (advanced) classes and pay the fees (I just learned they charge fees!) for the testing for these classes. All that time and vast amount of work is just so the student can cover most of the subjects again in college. What a waste. Ask at your local community college. Most accept those over 15, no questions asked. Some accept younger students (2 of mine so far started at 14) simply by getting the permission of the teacher of the class. Don’t forget online classes as well—if your child feels overwhelmed about college or you feel uncomfortable with them going to college right away, an online class works well. Having seen the workload expected of teens in AP classes for high school, I can tell you most college classes will prove easier! And, of course, you get double credit; both high school and college.