At 13, Marco Kennedy Has Completed 41 College Credits

After leaving public school during sixth grade, Kennedy pursued an alternative academic path through Lone Star College-Montgomery.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — Marco Kennedy, 13, is currently enrolled in the dual-credit program at Lone Star College-Montgomery. By June 2026, he had completed 41 college credits. Kennedy’s academic path began at age 5, when he started using Khan Academy’s online learning program.

In September 2024, at age 11, Marco left public school during sixth grade to pursue an alternative educational path. Two months later, he passed the Texas Success Initiative Assessment, commonly known as the TSI Assessment, meeting college-readiness requirements for applicable college-level coursework.

Marco enrolled in Lone Star College’s dual-credit program in January 2025 at age 11.

Since enrolling, Marco has been named to the Lone Star College President’s List for the summer and fall 2025 and invited to join Sigma Kappa Delta, the National English Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges. He also took the SAT and earned a score of 1310.

By June 2026, Marco had completed 41 college credits at age 13.

Marco is considering studying civil engineering or materials engineering and is also interested in law. As he explores his future academic options, he is researching programs and student life at the University of Texas, Sam Houston State University and Texas A&M University. He has not yet selected a university or a final area of study.

Lone Star College’s dual-credit program allows qualified secondary students to complete college-level courses while continuing to meet their high school educational requirements. Students must demonstrate college readiness and meet the prerequisites for the courses in which they enroll.

The program has provided Marco with a structured path into college coursework at an age when most students are still completing middle school.

Marco’s activities extend beyond academics. He has participated in the YMCA youth basketball league for three years and has completed volunteer work with the Montgomery County Food Bank and the Woodlands Wow Science Summer Camp.

His participation in those organizations has given him opportunities to remain involved in youth athletics and community service while continuing his college coursework.

Marco’s educational experience has included support from Lone Star College-Montgomery and organizations throughout the South Montgomery County community. Their programs have provided opportunities for him to learn, participate in athletics and serve others.

The Woodlands Student Center recognizes Lone Star College-Montgomery, the YMCA, the Montgomery County Food Bank and the Woodlands Wow Science Summer Camp for the educational, athletic and service opportunities they provide to young people throughout the community.

By The Woodlands Student Center Staff