A Rigorous Pathway

The pathway to college begins in kindergarten and the 7 Keys will open the door to college. The 7 Keys are more demanding than the state high school graduation requirements—which may not prepare students to take and do well in college-level classes or prepare them for the workplace, where higher-level skills are necessary. Students may have to take and pay for remedial courses at their college before they can take classes for credit.

Watch the “Facts and figures about college readiness” video on this page.

But students who attain the 7 Keys are more likely to be ready for college and better prepared to earn a four-year college degree.  And a college education pays—the average high school graduate will earn $1.2 million over his or her lifetime, compared with $2.1 million that the average college graduate will make.

Read the brochure (PDF)

Watch the “Overview of the 7 Keys” video

Each Student is Unique

There will be situations were a student may not attain one Key or several Keys.  That is okay. Children are unique and how quickly or how much they progress will vary.  Attaining all seven Keys does increase a student’s chances of being ready for college.  But missing a Key does not close the doors to college for any student.  It’s important to look at all of a student’s strengths, as well as the student’s motivation to succeed.

Watch the “How students with disabilities receive support to achieve the Keys” video.

Students Aim High

It’s important for all children to know that college is a realistic option.  All students who are willing to take challenging courses and work hard can go to college.  There are many routes a student can take to earn a college degree and many programs to help families pay for college.  Students can even earn college credit while still in high school.

Watch the “Weller Road ES fifth graders get ready for college” video.

Earn a 4-year College Degree in Montgomery County

Students can complete their entire education—kindergarten through college—right here in Montgomery County. They can earn college credit while in high school, go on to study at Montgomery College, and complete their bachelor’s degree at the Universities at Shady Grove where 8 colleges and universities offer 30 different programs.

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