What Every Seton Parent Needs to Know About Dual Enrollment

The flexibility of homeschooling is one of its greatest strengths.

Often questions arise about the possibility of receiving high school credit for college courses. This is commonly called “dual-enrollment.”

This refers to the student being enrolled in two schools at once and receiving credit for one class at both levels. Because this option typically comes up in the latter years of high school, some Seton families are unaware they can receive high school credit for college work.

There are limitations, however. When considering any dual enrollment courses, the nuances of a student’s total learning program, within the context of courses taken with Seton, need to be examined.

While Seton will grant credit for college level work, there are courses that must be taken with Seton for its most coveted artifact–the diploma. As with an Independent Study, the required Seton high school courses are in the subjects of biology, religion, English, and social studies.

If a student takes college level English, Seton will award high school credit for the course, but the student must still take Seton’s required English courses.

There are several reasons for this. Obtaining a diploma is much like receiving a stamp. After enough courses and time of study, some of the school’s particular character and knowledge is imparted to the student. A diploma recognizes or acknowledges this formation in addition to one’s academic achievements.

This means every school must have a set of standards and minimum requirements to bestow its sacred scroll. Each school varies.

At Seton, its religion, history, English, and biology classes are required because they provide a solidly Catholic viewpoint. They create within the student a formidable ability to think and communicate about the highest truths regarding man’s common destiny.

In the words of Dr. Clark, Seton’s founder, living and keeping the Faith is the primary purpose of Seton Home Study School. Everything else is secondary.

So what do you do if you want to take a college course and make it count for high school credit? First, consider math, science, and foreign language classes fair game for dual enrollment. You can take English, religion, and social studies courses at the college too, but they will count at Seton as electives.

Second, please know every semester taken at the college counts as a year of high school. Many schools follow this guideline. If you find college is easier than your Seton courses, do not be alarmed. You are not missing something and are not alone—many Seton alumni have reported this sentiment. You are simply more well-prepared than your peers for the college level.

As with any academic question regarding diplomas, requirements, and what is acceptable, please contact the Guidance Office if you still have questions. We are here to help you succeed at Seton and in the educational arenas beyond Seton’s doors. The guidance office can be reached at guidance@setonhome.org.

We pray you have a great rest of your summer and wish you well as you gear up for another academic year.

About Nick Marmalejo

Nick Marmalejo, a history major, graduated from Christendom College in 2001. He holds a Virginia Teacher Certification and lives in the Shenandoah Valley with his wife and three children.