A 10-year-old girl from California is already making headlines after completing her first college course while still in elementary school.
Honey Cooper, a fourth-grade student, recently wrapped up ART 120, a two-dimensional design course, at San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, California. The class carries four college credits and was taken through a dual-enrollment program that allows younger students to study at the college level.
Education officials say Honey has shown remarkable academic ability from an early age. Sandra Rodriguez, assistant superintendent for student services at the San Bernardino City Unified School District, said she has followed the young student’s progress closely over the years.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Rodriguez said Honey’s talent and dedication have been evident for a long time.
“She could be the kid who could be a doctor by 20,” Rodriguez said.
The opportunity for Honey to take a college class came after Rodriguez read about another 10-year-old in San Bernardino who had graduated from community college. Inspired by that story, she contacted the chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District to explore similar opportunities for Honey.
Honey then enrolled in the design class, studying alongside older college students and successfully completing the coursework.
Educators say the achievement highlights how dual-enrollment programs can open doors for gifted students, allowing them to pursue advanced learning opportunities much earlier than most.
