Alabama’s DOTHAN (WDNews)As one of the youngest students in the nation to start college, a 13-year-old in Alabama made history by enrolling in college, garnering attention both statewide and nationally. A few local teenagers have made noteworthy progress, even though no Wiregrass college has reported a student that young.
In May 2025, Darinda Beacham, at 15 years old, received her diploma from Dothan High School. Beacham switched from a homeschool program where she had already finished her curriculum up to the eleventh grade, according to school officials. She completed her senior year at Dothan High with a 3.5 GPA and fulfilled the standards for college and job preparedness. She intends to enroll at Florida A&M.
Miley Taylor of Goshen, another Wiregrass student, graduated from Troy University at the age of 19 with a bachelor’s degree. She received a degree in Risk Management and Insurance, according to university officials, and soon after, she obtained a full-time position in the industry.
Both children demonstrate how early academic advancement can be achieved through a combination of public school courses, homeschool acceleration, and early college programs, despite the fact that their situations are different.
High school students can enroll in college-level courses for credit through dual enrollment programs offered by nearby schools including as Wallace Community College, Enterprise State Community College, and Troy University Dothan. These courses are becoming a more popular choice for students who want to improve their academic standing.
No Wiregrass universities have yet to make public the number of pupils under 16 enrolled in their degree programs.
