Advise for a 9th grader

[rlw74]

So I'm in Ohio which has the College Credit Plus program which allows students to take college courses for free at their local highschool. They earn dual credit. Textbooks are paid for as well as enrollment fees. It's a win-win except for one little potential problem. These grades go on the permanent record. If a course is failed it shows up on the college transcript. It might even have to be made up at the high school level because you technically aren't earning high school credit either.

One school will pay for a full associates degree with them if you take a minimum of 6 credits by your senior year, so no need to rush. Option 1 is she just waits for a little bit. (Although there is a risk they could change the program).

Another option that seems less risky is for her to take straighterline courses on her own time. I even talked to our guidance counselor and he said he might accept SL credits as a testing out option. Yes, I would have to pay for the courses and there is a risk it might not count for dual credit or be accepted at a college in the future. But more colleges in my area are accepting those credits and it doesn't go on a permanent record if she fails the course.

She takes the ACT in February and if she doesn't score high enough this program won't be an option anyway. I want her to take the ACT regardless as it's good practice. However, I don't want to push her too quickly. She is in middle school this year but taking high school Math and English. Granted, she does struggle with math and science so I'm also fine with her focusing on her high school grades only.

Would you all suggest just sticking with SL? Trying college courses? Not taking any college courses now but waiting until Junior or Senior year? (Ironically enough, you never used to have access to the program until last two years of high school. Now it's opened up to as young as 7th grade!)