Did you know that many homeschoolers graduate from high school with their Associates degree? Dual Enrollment is a great way for your child to get a head start in their college career as well as save money on their college education.
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
Free College Credits
In many states dual enrollment is free! This means your child can earn college credits at no cost. If they plan on attending a state school after graduation all these credits will transfer, therefore reducing the cost of their college education.
Preparation for College
Dual enrollment is a great way to ease your child into college. Community colleges are usually smaller and more laid back than a university. Your child can “try out” college before leaving home.
Relieves Teaching Responsibilities
If you don’t think you are cut out for teaching high school, dual enrollment classes can do it for you. Most colleges accept students at age 15 or 16 depending on their test scores. If teaching high school scares you, dual enrollment can help.
Preparing for Dual Enrollment
Raise an Independent Learner
If you think your child will be taking college classes in high school, start preparing them in the eighth grade. Let them take ownership of their education and see if they are up to the challenge. A child who needs constant daily prodding to finish their work in the tenth grade probably isn’t ready for college classes.
Let them Drive
For the first two months of dual enrollment I drove my daughter to college and back twice a week. If you don’t want to spend your school day in the car, make sure your child has their driver’s license before they start classes. This will free you up to teach your younger children.
Prep for Tests
Most colleges require ACT/ SAT or college placement scores from homeschoolers in order to sign up for classes. Make sure your child is prepared for the standardized tests well in advance. The college placement test is free and is administered by the college.
Dual Enrollment isn’t for Everyone
Not every child is cut out for dual enrollment. If you aren’t comfortable with your child sitting in a classroom with thirty people they don’t know, ages 17-50 then consider online classes or waiting until your child is older.
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Tonya says
Both of our sons dual enrolled their senior years of high school. It’s great preparation for entering college full time and gives them that boost of confidence that they can do the work. That is, of course, if they have worked diligently in high school homeschool. Our younger son just had his last class today while in high school. Four classes for this year [4 high school credits = 12 college credits], and four A’s with which to start college = Happy Camper AND Happy Mom. 🙂 He was accepted at a 4-year university but has decided to get his A.A. at this same community college, for the reasons you described above–smaller classes, you get to actually know your teachers, etc. He will transfer to the 4-year university in his junior year.
Jolyn @blackbudgets says
My 16yo is currently in his first semester of dual enrollment here in California, starting out slowly with classes in French, Tennis and Music. We will continue to homeschool at home while taking advantage of certain cc courses as they fit his schedule and his goals.
I will say that, although this idea looks great in theory, it is not something to be taken lightly. A certain level of maturity and independence should be recognized before throwing your kid out there, so to speak. My son recently had to make an appointment with his French instructor, for instance, to address concerns about his recent test and oral presentation. The instructor will not talk to me as the parent! This is made very clear, at least at this cc, at enrollment: the student needs to communicate with the instructor directly with any questions or concerns. As the parent, you are the best gauge to know if your child is ready for this level of responsibility. A college transcript is a permanent record, so make sure your teenager is ready!
dgsandbjsmom says
I fought in 1996 and 1997 to dual enroll in our local community college. In 1997 a local Christian 4 Year University allowed me to enroll and I took Bible Classes and Organ Lessons my Senior Year. The next year in 1998 the local community college allowed my brother to dual enroll as an 11th grader. He had a 105 average in Chemistry and his teacher loved him. His English professor introduced him to his two sons that were my brothers age and he spent his high school years hanging out with them. He ended up accepted to a top University and between the US Air Force and the University spent 5 years in college and owed nothing at the end. He also got offered a Fulbright Scholarship and another large award and he turned it down because he wanted to go in the USAF.