How Does Dual Enrollment Work for Homeschooled Students?

Dual enrollment allows homeschooled students to earn high school and college credit at the same time by completing college-level coursework. Many homeschooled students and their families choose dual enrollment when they’re ready for greater academic challenges, to accelerate their journey through higher education, and, often, to save on the long-term costs of education.

For many homeschooling families, dual enrollment is a natural extension of the flexible, personalized approach to learning that they’re accustomed to. As a leader in homeschool education, Bridgeway Academy offers accredited dual enrollment programs for homeschoolers.

In this article, we’ll dive into dual enrollment for homeschoolers to help you understand the process and benefits and learn how you can get started with your teen.

What Is Dual Enrollment for Homeschoolers?

Dual enrollment enables homeschool students to take college courses that count toward both their high school diploma and future college degree. While students remain registered as homeschoolers and must still meet state high school graduation requirements, dual enrollment gives them the option to fulfill some of those requirements through college coursework.

Many homeschooled students independently apply to colleges and universities and take classes either in person or online. Others choose to enroll through homeschool programs like Bridgeway Academy. Bridgeway’s homeschool dual enrollment program simplifies the process with structured pathways, academic advising, and established college partnerships.

Bridgeway’s Approach to Dual Enrollment

Through the dual enrollment program at Bridgeway Academy, homeschool students can take up to 8 courses per year, earning as many as 24 college credits annually. Students may also enroll in a single course or in the homeschool Associate’s Degree program, completing a college degree alongside their high school diploma. This program covers 10 college courses per school year.

The program was created with homeschool families in mind. It offers more than 300 college-level courses through partnerships with:

• Ohio Christian University
• Acadeum, which offers courses from Southeastern College, Trine University, Western Texas College, and the Indiana Institute of Technology

Whether students plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or go on to pursue a four-year degree, Bridgeway’s dual enrollment program gives them a strong head start.

How Do Students Qualify for Dual Enrollment?

Eligibility for dual enrollment varies by institution, but most programs require students to demonstrate academic readiness. In general, students must be in their junior or senior years of high school to be eligible for dual enrollment, with Associate Degree students starting in their sophomore year.

Academic Prerequisites and Grade Levels

In general, students must be in their junior or senior years of high school to be eligible for dual enrollment.

Prerequisites for dual enrollment often depend on the course, the institution, and the intended learning track your teen wants to pursue. Students enrolling in some of the associate degree track at Bridgeway Academy, for example, must have completed:

• Two years of Honors English
• Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
• Biology and Chemistry or Physics
• World History
• Health and Personal Finance
• Two years of a foreign language

Bridgeway also provides academic advising to guide families through the application and placement process, setting your teen up for success.

Advising and Support with College-Level Courses

Transitioning into college-level learning can feel overwhelming, especially for homeschool students used to the flexibility and comfort of learning at home. Bridgeway’s dual enrollment program includes personalized academic advising and our signature Day 1 Discovery process, which ensures each student is placed in courses that match their academic level, goals, and interests.

In addition to the academic advising available directly to Bridgeway students, the Bridgeway Academy team connects dual enrollment students to an on-campus contact for additional support with their college-level courses.

What Does a Dual Enrollment Program Include?

A strong homeschool dual enrollment program goes beyond just signing students up for college classes. The best dual enrollment programs support teens every step of the way, from choosing classes to navigating the demands of college professors.

College Course Selection and Format

Bridgeway’s partner institutions offer a wide variety of asynchronous (self-paced) courses. Academic advisors help students select courses that match their learning style, graduation requirements, and long-term educational and professional goals.

Working with College Professors

For many homeschoolers, dual enrollment is their first experience learning from a high level instructor. College professors provide subject-matter expertise and high academic expectations, offering new challenges and helping students prepare for the demands of college life.

Do Dual Enrollment College Credits Transfer to Any College?

Whether or not (and how) your dual enrollment credits transfer depends on the institution you’re applying to. It should be noted, however, that courses taken through accredited colleges are generally accepted by most universities.

All of Bridgeway Academy’s dual enrollment programs and partners are fully accredited. Earned dual enrollment credits appear on both your student’s high school and college transcripts. Our academic advisors can help you choose the right courses to align with your teen’s dream school too.

What Are the Benefits of Dual Enrollment for Homeschoolers?

From new academic challenges to long-term education cost savings, dual enrollment offers many benefits for homeschooled students.

• Academic Head Start: Many dual enrollment students enter college with a full year of credits or even an associate degree, helping them to achieve their academic or professional goals faster.
• Cost Savings: Thanks to a jump start on their education, dual enrollment students can save on the expenses of college, such as tuition, room and board, and more. For some students, that means more funding for unique experiences like study abroad—or a financial head start on the rest of their life.
• Increased Confidence, Independence, and College Readiness: Dual enrollment builds independence, time management, and academic maturity, without losing the structure and support of family and homeschool advisors.
• Academic Challenges and Exploration: For many homeschooled students, dual enrollment provides access to advanced coursework and specific courses not typically available in traditional high school curriculum.

Is Your High School Student Ready for Dual Enrollment?

Not every high school student is ready for a college environment. To be successful as a dual enrollment student requires maturity, motivation, and the ability to work independently. Students should also demonstrate academic success at the high school level before moving on to college-level coursework.

Bridgeway’s academic advisors can help you evaluate your teen’s readiness and explore the best path forward. To learn more, contact our team of educational experts.

Our Final Thoughts: Personalized College Prep Through Homeschooling

With Bridgeway Academy’s dual enrollment program, homeschoolers don’t have to choose between flexibility and academic rigor—they can have both. Whether your child is looking to challenge themselves academically, get a head start on college, or explore career-focused coursework, dual enrollment is a fantastic opportunity for many homeschooling families.

If you and your teen are ready to explore dual enrollment options, speak with a Bridgeway advisor. Call 800-863-2474 or request a conversation.

With almost 40 years of support for homeschool families, one-on-one academic advising, a 96% success rate in matching students to the right curriculum and learning plan, and robust virtual and in-person communities (like Parent Connections), Bridgeway Academy’s accredited homeschool programs meet all the criteria, including accreditation by Cognia and other institutions, to help you provide a high-quality education that meets the unique needs of you and your child.