Dual enrollment is a great opportunity for all high school students. Whether you’re planning to attend college or are still unsure of your plans following graduation, you should consider earning dual credits through Villa Maria College’s program. This program allows students to challenge themselves academically in a familiar and supportive environment. You’ll get to see what it’s really like to take college courses while earning credits that count toward both your high school diploma and future college degree. But what are dual credit classes and how can you register? Here’s everything you need to know if you’re interested in the program.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
So, how does dual enrollment work? As mentioned, dual enrollment, also known as dual credit classes, allows high school students to take college classes. Students in these programs learn from a college-accredited curriculum in a high school setting with their high school teachers.
“The courses are demanding and require the students to engage at a high level,” said Ms. Stephanie Finn, Project Administrator for Curriculum Initiatives in the Buffalo Public Schools Department of Library and Curriculum Initiatives. “The primary goals of the program are to provide students with the prospect of earning college credit while still in high school and to demonstrate to students that they have the skills to be successful in college while being supported by their high school teachers.”
Who Is Eligible Villa’s Dual Enrollment Program?
Villa’s dual enrollment program is available to juniors and seniors in the Buffalo Public School District. “Students need to be academically eligible with at least an 85% average as well as have a good attendance record to register for dual enrollment,” Ms. Finn said.
Students enrolled in a full-year high school course during the school year can register for dual credit courses before their spring semester begins. School administrators and teachers can provide students with more details and individualized recommendations. Students do need a Social Security number to join the program.
What Courses Are Offered?
Villa started offering nine fine arts and music courses for the 2023-2024 academic year. However, some of these course offerings are only available to students at Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. “Villa will maintain those same nine dual credit courses this year, but we do hope to expand for the 2025-2026 school year,” Ms. Finn shared.
How Much Does Registering For Dual Credit Cost?
Students can enroll in dual credit courses for free. There is no cost associated with these courses.
How Does Dual Enrollment Benefit Students?
The transition to college from high school isn’t one to take lightly. Even students who think they’re fully prepared might experience some unexpected hurdles, especially when it comes to course workload and difficulty. Learning to adjust to college course loads in a more manageable way is one of the biggest advantages of dual enrollment programs.
“Many of the students who attend Buffalo Public Schools may be the first in their families to go to college, and it’s difficult for some to navigate. By introducing college courses to high school students in a supportive environment with trusted adults, students gain experience and success,” Ms. Finn said. “We also are passionate about creating a community of learners within an environment students are already comfortable with where they can become more confident and realize that secondary education like college is a real option for them.”
Students enrolled in Villa’s dual credit course also receive academic support within their high school with teachers they likely already have established relationships with. “This helps students feel more comfortable requesting academic support,” Ms. Finn said. “Many of our high schools offer before- and after-school time to provide this support to students.”
Why Should Students Sign Up If They Aren’t Planning To Attend College?
Even if you aren’t sure that college is right for you, you should still consider enrolling in Villa’s dual credit classes if you’re eligible and have an interest in art or music. Experiencing a college course for yourself can make the idea of higher education more concrete and achievable. “Some participating students have told us they would not have considered college prior to their experience in the program,” Ms. Finn shared.
How Are Transcripts Delivered?
Once students complete dual enrollment courses with a grade of C or higher, they can request their transcript from Villa through the Registrar’s Office online.
What Colleges Accept These Dual Credits?
Earned dual credits can be applied to a degree program at Villa or another accredited college. However, students will need to check with other colleges or universities to ensure their credits will transfer as some policies may differ by institution.
Have More Questions?
Interested in learning more about Villa’s dual enrollment program? Reach out to us directly, visit our BPS dual credit program page, or speak with a counselor at your school to see how you can register for the 2024-2025 school year.
