What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment is one of the most exciting benefits offered by the Partnership!  Any student who is 14 and in high school may pursue dual enrollment in college classes, under the approval and guidance of the college.  This means that students can earn college credit while in high school!  

In addition to applying to one of the colleges or university locations we offer, don't forget to enroll the student in the Partnership.   The Partnership Director (Sharon) will sign your college registration form as soon as you are ready to register, even if it is before Partnership registration opens.  Just be sure to remember to include the dual enrollment classes as part of your community class selections when filling out Partnership registration.  Students must have completed at least one successful semester with the Partnership before enrolling in any dual enrollment courses.
 
The Partnership will pay for tuition and fees and books* for up to 2 courses per semester, depending on the student's grade level (see below).  Please be aware that some classes, especially science classes with labs, go over the maximum amount the Partnership can pay.  The remaining amount is the responsibility of the student/family.  

Due to state reimbursement rules for college classes:
If 1 dual enrollment class is taken, the student can and must take at least 1 regular partnership class, but can take up to 3 regular classes (including online).
If 2 dual enrollment classes are taken, the student must take 1 regular partnership class, and cannot take more. 

State mandated schedule for the number of allowed dual enrollment classes that can be paid for by the program:
Starting in grade 9?             2 per year in 9th, 10th and 11th grades, then 4 in senior year
Starting in grade 10?           2 for 10th grade year, then no more than 4 in the 11th and 12th grade year each, not to exceed a total of 10
Starting in grade 11 or 12?  No more than 6 per year, not to exceed a total of 10 (we realize this is impossible since funding allows us to only cover 2 per semester)

***NOTE: High contact hour/billing hour classes may cost more than our allowance per class.  Any amount or books over the allowance is the responsibility of the family. The exact amount may not be known until after the class has begun.  Classes such as high level math, science, art, photography, etc. tend to have labs and high contact hours (5 or 6), depending on the school.  

*Books paid for by the Partnership are the property of the school.  You must attempt to return all books to the college bookstore during the end-of-the-semester buy-back period.  Rentals must be returned on time or the family is responsible for late fees. 

Where can I take college classes? 
We offer several locations: Andrews Univ., Glen Oaks CC, KVCC, Lake Michigan College and Southwest Michigan College.  Please refer to each page for more details.
 
What kind of classes can I take?
Students may choose almost any type of class offered by the college/university.  The classes chosen must be part of a degree program; they may not be remedial* or extra-curricular in nature.  They cannot be considered hobby-craft in nature, recreation, physical education**, theology, divinity, or religious education.  Dual enrollment courses can be core subjects as long as they are taken for college credit only, non-core subjects can be taken for both high school and college credit.  
*Please note: Students are frequently advised to take Math 095 (LMC) or Math 100P (SMC) if Compass test scores do not qualify for regular 100+ level courses.  Math 095 or 100P is considered remedial and cannot be covered by the Partnership.
** Please note: LMC offers a one-credit class called Healthful Living that is required for many degrees.  It falls under their PHED (phys. ed.) department, so the class is unable to be covered under the Partnership.

​Teacher or grade disputes:  Any dispute regarding class content, teacher delivery or grading must be taken up and remain between the student/parent, teacher and appropriate college staff.  The partnership does not become involved in disputes, however if any class has proven unsatisfactory, please inform Sharon to note for future reference.

Withdrawal and failing policy:  If a student enrolls in a college class and withdraws from that class after the college's refund/transfer window, or receives a failing ending grade, he or she will not be eligible to take future dual enrollment classes through the Partnership.  Parents have the option of reimbursing BSPS for all tuition and fees incurred in order to maintain their dual enrollment eligibility status.  If the student fails to reimburse the school, the student may not participate in the partnership in the future.