Breaking barriers: How one Phoenix high school is redefining student opportunity

Through Camelback High School’s partnership with ASU, students of all backgrounds can access college-level courses

At Camelback High School, students who once thought higher education was out of reach are now earning college credit before graduation.

Through the school’s partnership with Accelerate ASU, a nationwide, university-based dual enrollment program, students can access flexible, college-level courses taught by university faculty.

The impact extends far beyond transcripts. At Camelback, a large Title 1 school where more than 30 languages are spoken, ASU’s model is helping students build confidence and reimagine what’s possible.

James Arndt, who served as principal at Camelback until this summer, says ASU’s personalized, affordable program removes many of the traditional barriers to dual enrollment.

“I’m really [challenging] people to disrupt the systems that don’t serve every kid,” said Arndt. “…The resource is right that makes it possible, so quit making excuses. Let’s make college accessible now.”

Building life skills and college readiness, one course at a time

Camelback’s partnership with ASU began in 2023, when Arndt collaborated with ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business to create a college-level financial literacy course. Finance 123: Money Matters was offered to all Camelback students, regardless of their GPA or test scores.

From the beginning, Arndt has championed the importance of equal access when offering college-level courses.

“This was not about cherry-picking kids for an AP course,” he said. “No matter who you are, no matter your history — even if you have zero high school credits — you are going to get this shot.”