Honey is wrapping up her first course at San Bernardino Valley College. She's only 10 years old

"Even though they might be young, they still always need to be challenged. And this is a new way for them to be challenged. Outside of school, Honey is a busy kid. She is a GATE-identified student, California's designation for gifted and talented learners. She reads at a high school level and participates in Broadway Now, an educational theater program operating within the San Bernardino City Unified School District."

"The 10-year-old fourth-grader from San Bernardino is paving the way for younger students to access college courses. She is enrolled in ART 120, a two-dimensional design course worth four college credits. Cases like hers are a rare occurrence, according to San Bernardino Valley College officials."

Honey Cooper, a gifted fourth-grader from San Bernardino, attends a two-dimensional design course at San Bernardino Valley College every Wednesday evening alongside adult students. She is GATE-identified, reads at high school level, and participates in an educational theater program. Her mother emphasizes the importance of challenging advanced learners through new opportunities. Assistant Superintendent Sandra Rodriguez, who knew Honey through district meetings, recognized her potential after reading about another young student who completed community college coursework. This special admit enrollment, authorized under California law, is rare but reflects the school district's commitment to providing appropriate academic challenges for exceptional elementary students.

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