Dual enrollment is a program that allows Spartanburg High School students to take college courses while still in high school. This opportunity enables students to earn college credit that can be applied toward a degree later. Dual enrollment courses are taught by teachers at Spartanburg High School (SHS) and adhere to the specific college’s unique curriculum and grading standards, providing students with a genuine college-level educational experience.
Mandy Loudermilk, an SHS history teacher who teaches U.S. History dual enrollment, officially titled History 201 and History 202, likes that her students receive an opportunity to gain more knowledge and credit.
“I enjoy teaching the course because it offers flexibility and some liberties to create my own pacing and list of included eras covered. Students can receive college credit without paying college tuition. SHS covers the cost of the textbook and any other fees involved,” Loudermilk said.
One key difference between dual enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) classes is that dual enrollment courses are generally less rigorous. Students earn college credit by passing the course, usually requiring a grade of C or higher rather than needing to achieve a high score on an AP exam.
“AP classes only result in college credit if students attain a high enough score on the AP exam. Having the pressure of college credit hinge on ONE test can prove difficult,” Loudermilk said.
Jacob Friedberg (11), a current dual enrollment student, echoes this statement.
“I have taken an AP course, and I didn’t like how it all came down to a test at the end of the year. I prefer dual enrollment more than AP because it’s two separate courses each semester, so there is no big exam at the end—it’s just a test. I also like being able to come late two days a week, and they have different breaks than us, so when they are on break, we don’t have classes, ” Friedberg said.
These credits are often transferable to many colleges and universities, giving students a significant advantage as they start their college journey. However, transferring these credits depends on the institution’s policies. Taking college-level courses through dual enrollment can be enriching but may also come with increased academic demands.
The benefits of dual enrollment include saving time and money, getting a head start on college and broadening career options. By taking certain dual enrollment classes in high school, students can avoid paying for some college courses. Additionally, students gain a strong foundation for college-level learning and can explore various academic and career paths.
However, balancing high school and college courses can be challenging. It requires careful planning and organization to keep up with both demands.
Students typically need a grade point average (GPA) between 2.5 and 3.0 to qualify for dual enrollment classes. Some programs may require specific scores on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT. Additionally, students often need to secure permission from their high school, which may involve consulting with a school counselor and obtaining a letter of recommendation. Some dual enrollment programs may also require students to take exams to assess their readiness for college-level coursework. Furthermore, parental or guardian permission is usually necessary to participate in a dual enrollment program.
When selecting courses, it is wise to focus on core subjects such as English, math and science. These core courses are more widely accepted and align with the general education requirements at many colleges, making it easier to transfer these credits later.
Anna Grace Babbis (12) is a dual enrollment student who has taken both English 101 and 102. She believes the schedule is a perk.
“I have taken many AP courses, and I would say that dual enrollment is more self-guided but not as difficult. I enjoy the flexibility that dual enrollment gives and wish that more dual courses were offered during my time in high school. We only go three days a week, so I use the off days to complete my homework assignments,” Babbis said.
Overall, dual enrollment offers students a unique opportunity to experience college-level coursework while still in high school. While it requires strong time management skills, it provides a more flexible and often less stressful alternative to AP courses. Whether students want to save money, explore different subjects or get a head start on college, dual enrollment can be a valuable stepping stone toward their future academic and career goals.
