One of my favorite musicals is “Wicked” — I have actually seen the play six times at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Most recently, I served as one of the chaperones for our options schools scholars as they saw the live play for the first time. Their reaction to the play was wonderful and one song in particular resonated with me as I watched these scholars beam with glee.

“Defying Gravity,” the final song before intermission, captures a moment of transformation — breaking free from expectations and soaring beyond limitations. This powerful metaphor resonates deeply with the potential of scholars in options schools, particularly those in continuation high schools, who are often overlooked when it comes to opportunities that challenge their thinking and elevate their learning. Too often, traditional measures of success underestimate these scholars’ abilities. However, through dual enrollment programs, they are proving that when given the chance, they can soar to new heights, defying all odds and expectations.

At Walt Whitman Continuation High School, scholars have taken advantage of dual enrollment opportunities through a partnership with the National Education Equity Lab (EdEquityLab) — a groundbreaking initiative that brings Ivy League and top-tier university courses to historically underserved scholars. WWCHS scholars, many of whom once doubted their ability to succeed in college-level coursework, have not only participated in these rigorous courses but have excelled, earning college credit and gaining the confidence to see themselves as the scholars we have always known them to be. Their success challenges the false narrative that alternative school scholars are unprepared for higher education. Instead, they are proving that when given equitable access to opportunity, they thrive.

Why dual enrollment matters for options schools Dual enrollment allows high school scholars to take college courses while completing their high school requirements. Research consistently shows that participation in these programs increases the likelihood of scholars enrolling in and completing college. However, dual enrollment is often underutilized in continuation and alternative schools, where scholars stand to benefit the most.

For scholars in options schools, who often face systemic barriers to academic success, dual enrollment provides:

Exposure to rigorous coursework — Many alternative education scholars have been tracked into remedial courses or have had limited access to advanced academic opportunities. Dual enrollment shifts this narrative by offering challenging coursework that fosters critical thinking and analytical skills.

A college-going identity — When scholars successfully complete college courses, they begin to see themselves as capable of succeeding in higher education. This shift in mindset is critical for scholars who may not have previously envisioned themselves in college. Increased engagement and motivation — Dual enrollment makes learning more meaningful, increasing motivation and academic persistence.

Equitable access to opportunity — Historically, continuation school scholars have been denied the same resources as their peers in traditional schools. Dual enrollment programs disrupt this pattern by ensuring that all scholars — regardless of their educational pathway — have access to college-level learning experiences.

Whitman scholars defying expectations At WWCHS, scholars have embraced the challenge of dual enrollment with remarkable success. Through EdEquityLab, scholars have taken courses from Brown and Cornell, tackling rigorous college courses like Law & Literature. Despite juggling jobs, personal responsibilities, and the challenges that come with being in a continuation school, these scholars have demonstrated incredible resilience and determination.

Their achievements have not gone unnoticed. Whitman scholars have been inducted into the National Honor Society through EdEquityLab, highlighting their academic excellence and commitment to learning. They are proving that intelligence, ambition and potential are not dictated by ZIP codes or school labels — they are fostered through opportunity.

One scholar, who initially enrolled at WWCHS with a history of academic struggles, shared how completing a college course transformed his perspective: “I used to think college wasn’t for me. Now, I know I can handle it. I actually love learning.” This shift is precisely why dual enrollment matters — it empowers scholars to believe in themselves and their future.

How principals can advocate for dual enrollment Principals in options schools play a crucial role in advocating for dual enrollment opportunities for their scholars. Here’s how school leaders can take action.

1. Build partnerships with higher education institutions: Seek out universities and community colleges willing to collaborate with alternative schools. Programs like EdEquityLab provide models for how elite institutions can engage with non-traditional scholars.

2. Remove barriers to access: Many scholars in continuation schools face challenges such as transportation, financial barriers, or limited technology access. Schools must provide necessary resources, including loaner laptops, internet access, and on-campus support spaces for dual enrollment coursework.

3. Redefine scholar potential: Alternative education scholars are often underestimated. School leaders must challenge this mindset by celebrating scholar success in college courses and promoting a culture of high expectations.

4. Leverage data to advocate for expansion: Collect and share success stories, completion rates, and scholar testimonials to demonstrate the impact of dual enrollment. This data can be used to secure funding and expand program offerings.

5. Support faculty and counselors: Teachers and counselors play a key role in encouraging scholars to enroll and persist in college courses. Professional development and structured supports for staff can ensure they are equipped to guide scholars through the process.

When Elphaba sings “It’s time to try defying gravity” in “Wicked,” she is embracing her power and rejecting the limitations placed upon her. This is exactly what scholars in options schools are doing when they engage in dual enrollment — they are shattering expectations, proving their capabilities, and claiming their right to academic excellence.

At Whitman Continuation High School, and in options schools across the country, scholars are not waiting to be invited into spaces of higher learning. They are stepping into those spaces with confidence, resilience and brilliance. The challenge now is for educational leaders to ensure that these opportunities continue to grow.

Dual enrollment is more than just a program — it is a pathway to equity. It is a statement that all scholars, regardless of their educational background, deserve access to rigorous learning experiences. By advocating for dual enrollment in alternative education, principals and district leaders can ensure that scholars in options schools are not just surviving — they are thriving.

As educators, it’s time to defy gravity and lift our scholars to heights they never imagined possible.