FAQ
What is Opportunity Middle College?
Opportunity Middle College (OMC) is collaboration between Fayette County and Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC). Our OMC student body consists of juniors and seniors from all of the 6 A1 high schools and all programs of FCPS. We are housed at BCTC’s Newtown Campus. Our goal is to provide access and supports to our students to allow them the opportunity to take college class while they are still in high school. Although, all 6 high schools offer dual credit courses, our program is unique in that we provide the integration of high school and college courses in the college setting.
How do I apply to attend OMC?
The application process opens early November and closes at the end of January for the following school year (to begin in August). Current 10th & 11th grade students may access an online application on our OMC website and clicking the "Apply Now" tab at the top. Following completion of the application, each applicant will record him/herself answering some interview questions and submit the video prior to the deadline. Final acceptance into OMC is usually communicated by mid-February via the student’s FCPS email account.
After acceptance to OMC, students will be required to attend a mandatory parent-student orientation meeting during the spring semester.
Are there any expenses to attend Opportunity Middle College?
Most OMC students are not required to pay tuition nor purchase their own textbooks. However, students who are not qualified for free-and-reduced lunch will have to pay half (50%) the cost of their college tuition.
What high school will be listed on my diploma?
Each graduating senior will receive their diploma from their home high school.
Will I have a graduation ceremony?
OMC has a senior celebration to recognize all OMC seniors, and OMC graduating seniors may participate in graduation ceremonies with their home high school.
How many college credits can I earn?
The number of college classes vary depending on a student's GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Some juniors pursue an Associate Degree while in high school. This is a very demanding course load. Most students graduate from high school with 12-40+ hours depending on the college course load and amount of time at OMC.
May I take more than the minimum number of college courses?
Yes, by maintaining a 3.0+ college GPA, students may obtain permission to take additional college classes.
May I take on-line classes?
Yes. BCTC offers online college courses. Students may select one online class per semester only.
Will my credits transfer to another college?
BCTC is an accredited member of the Kentucky Community and Technical School system. BCTC has excellent partnership/transfer agreements with all of the state supported 4 year universities such as UK, UofL, EKU, Morehead, etc.
Many BCTC courses will transfer to many other colleges and universities. However, to ensure credits will transfer, students should check with the college or university they wish to transfer to or get advising from BCTC’s transfer office.
What is the typical schedule of a Middle College student?
BCTC courses are blocked Monday-Wednesday and Tuesday-Thursday, therefore OMC high school classes are blocked the same. Each student will have a high school schedule that is worked around their college classes to ensure that all required credits for graduation are earned.
Who teaches the classes?
The college classes are taught by BCTC college professors and the high school classes are taught by FCPS teachers.
Can Middle College students play high school sports?
Yes, students may participate in sports and any other extra-curricular activities at their home high school.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes. Students must get to their home high school in the morning. An FCPS bus will pick them up and take them to STEAM Academy. Then they will be dropped off at BCTC Newtown Campus by 8:00 am. After school, the FCPS bus goes to STEAM Academy, then students take a bus to their home high schools and then home.
Do I need to fill out an application for BCTC?
In addition to the online OMC application, accepted students must also complete an online application to BCTC. Instructions for this will be sent to the FCPS student email accont with the student's acceptance letter.
When do I sign up for my college classes?
After completion of either the ACT or BCTC's college placement exams, your first semester schedule will be created by the OMC staff using the college selection sheet completed at the mandatory parent-student orientation.
What scores do I need to have on the ACT or college placement exam to enroll in college classes?
BCTC will use your high school GPA or ACT scores for college placement. For ENG 101/102, a writng score on the ACT should be at least 18 or high school GPA should be 3.0 or higher. For MA 111, Contemporary Mathematics, you will need a score of at least 19 on the ACT or a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher. For MAT 150, College Algebra, an ACT score of 22 or a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher is needed for enrollment.
Where/How do I sign up for my college classes?
You will select your college classes during the mandatory parent-student orientation and the OMC staff will create your college schedule for the first semester. Students will create their own schedules for all subsequent semesters.
What if I have other questions?
Please feel free to contact the program director at (859) 422-0046