High school students looking to get a jump start on their college education may want to consider a dual enrollment program. Dual enrollment (DE) is when a high school partners with a college to allow you to start earning college credits even before you finish Grade 12.

"I believe that it is a great option for all students to consider if their high school offers [it]," says Katherine Pastor. She is a school counselor at Flagstaff High School and the 2016 American School Counselor Association Counselor of the Year.

In a dual enrollment (sometimes known as concurrent enrollment) program, students are enrolled in high school and college at the same time. They take college-level courses and earn college credit while still attending high school.

There are significant advantages to a setup like this. You're a few steps closer to finishing college before you even finish high school. Taking college-level courses can help you decide what major is right for you. And in many cases, you can complete college courses - or even a full two-year associate's degree - for free or at a discounted rate even before you graduate from high school.

"This is an excellent way for students to help their families with the financial burden of paying for college," says Pastor. "Taking a DE class also allows the students to have the opportunity to challenge themselves with a more rigorous schedule.

"[And] the great thing is, many times the DE class is taught at the high school, so the students do not need to arrange for transportation to the college."

But students should be aware of what they're getting into. "This is a college-level course, so the amount of work will be what would be expected at the college level," warns Pastor. "Students need to be well organized and advocate when they need help with their teachers."

Be sure to check out the details. Sometimes students have to forego an elective in order to make their schedule work, so if you're big on things like band, choir or drama, you may want to tread carefully.

Also, if you fail a dual enrollment course, it could mean you won't graduate from high school on time. DE courses are real college courses and those grades will be on your transcript forever. If you already have a busy, stressful schedule, DE might not be the best option for you.

Still, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks. You owe it to yourself to look into it.

"It is not for one particular student," says Pastor. "Any and all students should consider DE."