Richland Collegiate High School (RCHS) closed in May 2025 after graduating its last senior class. According to Dallas College administrators, the institution’s shutdown reflected a shift in how students and families felt regarding dual credit programs.
“The decision to close RCHS was a result of the changing climate related to dual credit participation in Dallas College,” said Dr. Tiffany Kirksey, Dallas College vice provost for educational partnerships.
According to Kirksey, administrators pointed to the declining enrollment at RCHS compared to growth in other programs. She said that, while early college high schools and P-TECH programs continued to expand, interest in Richland’s charter-style collegiate high school declined significantly.
“Students became aware of other options, and they took advantage of them,” said Kirksey.
Looking at other institutions outside of Richland, Kirksey said that few college campuses operate a full high school because families increasingly preferred programs where their children could experience high school and college at the same time.
“As dual credit expanded, families showed more interest in partnership models than in an exclusive high school,” she said.
According to Kirksey, before any decision was made, Dallas College held forums for parents, students, faculty and community members. The process involved coordination with the Texas Education Agency, Dallas College leadership and the high school’s administration.
Even as the closure approached, the college honored its students. Seniors were given the same support and traditions as past classes, including a prom and end-of-year celebrations. “What we heard from many of them is that they felt like they had the whole place to themselves,” Kirksey said. She described how the final senior class enjoyed both new events and long-standing traditions. “We wanted the legacy class to go out with a bang,” she said.
Staff and faculty were offered opportunities to transition into new roles, but not within a high school setting.
“There is really no closed door to a student who wants to participate,” Kirksey said. “Whether they come from a public school, a charter school or a home school, there is a path for them at Dallas College.”
Administrators stressed that, even without a dual credit high school at Richland, opportunities remain through partnerships with various high schools, private schools, charter schools and home school.
