Core Complete means that a student has fulfilled the foundational 42 credit core curriculum required by Texas public universities, plus 3 additional credits for enhanced college readiness. 

The program launches in August 2026 with the first set of courses added to the high school course guide. It will expand in phases through 2028, gradually adding more college-level courses each year. 

Students will need to complete an additional 15 hours of credit to obtain their Associate's. If students choose to enroll at TCC or another community college, it would be possible to obtain an Associate's upon completion of the program. 

$50 per credit hour for students who are not FAST-eligible. The total cost for all 45 credits will be $2,250

All Kennedale ISD high school students are eligible to participate in dual credit, dual enrollment, and Advanced Placement courses.

To join the Wildcat Collegiate Academy, incoming 9th graders in the Class of 2030 must opt into the program during course selection. Participating students will be scheduled into COMM 1315 (Introduction to Public Speaking) and two advanced-level core courses during their freshman year. 

Students who qualify (or have qualified in the last 4 years) for free or reduced lunch pay $0 in tuition for this program. 

There are three main benefits to enrolling in the Wildcat Collegiate Academy:

1. Tarleton transcript with "Core Complete" designation
2. College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) met by end of sophomore year (if credit is earned in MATH 1314)
3. Thousands of dollars saved in tuition, room and board, and textbooks

Students who have already completed at least one year at KHS can begin taking Tarleton Today classes, however, they may not be able to obtain all 45 hours prior to graduation to become core complete. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the program if possible and should communicate with their counselor to assist with course selection.