* Dual Enrollment/Concurrent Enrollment: This is the most common method. High school students take college courses while still enrolled in high school. The college courses may be taken at the college campus, online, or at the high school itself if there's a partnership. Credits earned often count towards both high school and college graduation requirements.
* Early College High School: Some high schools are specifically designed to allow students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree (or even a bachelor's degree) simultaneously. These programs are typically more structured and integrated than dual enrollment.
* Taking Individual College Courses: A student might take a single college course independently, perhaps one that their high school doesn't offer. This is less common than dual enrollment.
It's important to note that successfully managing both high school and college coursework requires excellent time management and organizational skills. The student's high school and the college must also agree on the arrangement, and there might be age requirements or prerequisites to consider.