Dual Enrollment: A Smart Path to College While in High School

Dual Enrollment: A Smart Path to College While in High School

For students looking to get a head start on college while still in high school, dual enrollment offers an exciting opportunity. As a flexible, accredited online K-12 school, Forest Trail Academy is proud to offer academic programs that align with students’ goals—including those aiming to earn college credit early through dual enrollment.

But what is dual enrollment, and how can it benefit students at the high school level? In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dual enrollment in high school, including its advantages, how it works, and how Forest Trail Academy supports students who want to take college-level dual enrollment courses.

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses while still completing their high school diploma. These courses count toward both high school and college credit, making it possible for students to accelerate their academic journey and reduce the time and cost of earning a college degree.

Whether offered through a community college, a university, or an accredited online provider, dual enrollment high school programs give motivated students the chance to experience more challenging coursework while still benefiting from the support of their high school.

At Forest Trail Academy, our self-paced online high school curriculum makes it easier for students to participate in dual enrollment programs that fit their individual needs and academic goals.

How Does Dual Enrollment Work?

Dual enrollment programs are typically partnerships between high schools and colleges. Students remain enrolled in high school while taking one or more dual enrollment courses offered by a participating college or university. These classes may be taught on a college campus, online, or even at the high school itself (depending on the arrangement).

Common Features of Dual Enrollment:

• Courses are usually taken in 11th or 12th grade, though some programs start earlier.
• Students earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously.
• Courses are often transferable to public colleges and universities.
• Students must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as a minimum GPA or standardized test scores.

At Forest Trail Academy, our flexible academic model allows students to take dual enrollment classes around their own schedule. This gives them the opportunity to balance high school responsibilities while making real progress toward a college degree.

Who Can Benefit from Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is ideal for students who are academically advanced, highly motivated, and interested in exploring college-level material. It’s also a strong fit for students who want to reduce the time and cost associated with higher education.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment:

1. Early Exposure to College
   Students gain insight into the college experience, including the rigor, expectations, and independence required at the next academic level.

2. Time and Cost Savings
   By earning college credits early, students may be able to finish their degree faster and spend less on tuition overall.

3. Stronger College Applications
   Admissions officers are impressed by students who challenge themselves academically. Dual enrollment signals maturity and college readiness.

4. Flexibility in College
   Earning general education credits in high school can free up time in college to double major, pursue internships, or explore elective courses.

Dual Enrollment vs. AP Courses

You might be wondering how dual enrollment courses differ from Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Both offer college-level coursework, but there are a few key differences:

Feature	Dual Enrollment	AP Courses
Credit Awarded	Based on course completion and college grade	Based on AP exam score
Taught By	College instructors or qualified teachers	High school teachers
Location	College campus, online, or high school	High school or online
Transferability	Varies by college and state	Widely accepted at U.S. colleges

At Forest Trail Academy, students can take both dual enrollment and AP courses, depending on their preferences and college goals. We support students in choosing the best path to achieve academic success.

Is Dual Enrollment Right for You?

Here are a few questions to consider when deciding if dual enrollment in high school is the right option:

• Are you consistently earning high grades in your current coursework?
• Do you feel ready for more challenging academic material?
• Are you motivated to start earning college credit now?
• Can you manage your time effectively and work independently?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, dual enrollment could be a great next step. And with the flexibility of online schooling at Forest Trail Academy, you have the freedom to build a schedule that works around your dual enrollment classes.

Dual Enrollment and Online Schooling: A Perfect Match

One of the biggest challenges traditional students face with dual enrollment is scheduling. Between travel time, after-school activities, and rigid class times, fitting everything in can be overwhelming.

That’s where Forest Trail Academy comes in. As an asynchronous, self-paced online school, we offer the flexibility students need to successfully complete their dual enrollment classes while keeping up with high school graduation requirements.

Here’s how we make it work:

• Customized Learning Schedules: Learn on your own time, without sacrificing academic rigor.
• Supportive Faculty and Advisors: We help you coordinate your high school curriculum with your dual enrollment plan.
• Access from Anywhere: Complete both high school and college-level courses from the comfort of home.

Whether you’re pursuing a secular home school curriculum, a Christian homeschool curriculum, or working toward an advanced diploma, dual enrollment can fit into your unique learning path at Forest Trail Academy.

How to Get Started with Dual Enrollment

If you’re ready to pursue dual enrollment, here are the steps to follow:

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

Each dual enrollment program has its own rules. Typically, you’ll need to be in 10th grade or higher, maintain a minimum GPA, and possibly take placement tests.

2. Choose a College Partner

Many state colleges, universities, and even online institutions offer dual enrollment opportunities. Make sure the credits you earn will be transferable to the college you plan to attend.

3. Plan Your Courses

Work with your Forest Trail Academy advisor to ensure your dual enrollment courses align with your graduation requirements and academic goals.

4. Enroll and Register

Once you’re approved, you can register for courses and begin your dual enrollment journey.

5. Stay Focused and Balanced

Remember that you’ll be managing both high school and college-level classes. Time management and organization are essential for success.

Dual Enrollment Success Stories

Many Forest Trail Academy students have used dual enrollment to:

• Earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.
• Transfer credits to Ivy League and state universities.
• Explore majors before entering college full-time.
• Save thousands of dollars on tuition and reduce student loan debt.

By taking advantage of dual enrollment, our students stand out in the college admissions process and enter higher education with confidence.

Forest Trail Academy Supports Your Future

At Forest Trail Academy, we’re more than just an online K–12 school—we’re your partner in lifelong learning. Whether your child is in kindergarten, middle school, or high school, we offer a wide range of options to support their academic journey:

• Online elementary and middle school programs
• Online high school curriculum including 9th–12th grade
• Christian and secular homeschool curriculum
• Advanced Placement courses
• And of course—dual enrollment support

Got Questions About Our Online School?

Let us know if you have any questions about online schooling. We’re here to assist you.

 Call us at 561-537-5501
Email us at support@foresttrailacademy.com
Submit an inquiry to our admissions team