Reedley Middle College High School earns state recognition for dual enrollment program

REEDLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Kings Canyon Unified high school has earned statewide recognition for its dual enrollment program, which allows students to work toward a college degree while completing their high school education.

Reedley Middle College High School was recently named a 2026 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment School by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, placing it among 32 schools across the state to receive the designation.

At the public charter school, students attend Reedley College while earning credits toward both a high school diploma and an associate's degree.

Senior Johnae Bedolla said she chose to enroll after watching her sister attend the school.

"It's fun because now, we get two graduations to look forward to so we get two gowns, two dresses. It's really exciting," Bedolla said.

Principal Josh Darnell said the school serves students from a wide range of backgrounds and places a strong emphasis on support, particularly for students who are the first in their families to attend college.

That includes having both a traditional high school counselor and a Reedley College counselor available on campus.

"She meets daily with students to work on their individual education plans that they have for college," Darnell said. "And so they plan the student's career college career, from freshman year all the way beyond."

Students also have access to career pathways, including an agriculture pathway previously highlighted for its success.

Bedolla, who plans to double major in business administration and political science, said the program gave her an early introduction to ag business coursework.

"I was able to kind of get an advantage and take those business classes early on to see if I actually liked it," she said.

The school's focus on dual credit, student support and career pathways contributed to the state recognition.

In a statement, Thurmond said, in part, "It's my pleasure to recognize these schools for the incredible work they're doing to support California's students."

He added that through community partnerships, the schools are "opening doors and creating real opportunities for young people."

Darnell said the designation reflects years of collaboration with Reedley College.

"So really exciting for us," he said. "We've worked really hard in our partnership with Reedley College to really focus on how can we support students, what can we do for them to ensure that they are successful in high school and college and then beyond."

Bedolla said she was not surprised by the recognition, noting that she believes the program helped her earn two full-ride scholarships - one to Fresno State and another to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

"We're able to get acceptances from other prestigious colleges that want us because of where we're coming from, the education that we have," she said. "It kind of shows how our hard work is really paying off to these universities, and they want students like us."

School officials said Bedolla is just one example of the program's impact.

About 90% of this year's graduating class is expected to earn an associate's degree and/or a transfer certificate from Reedley College before continuing on to four-year universities.

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