Homeschool Connections partners with colleges and universities for Dual Enrollment Courses
In an effort to offer your high schoolers an opportunity to earn college credit, Homeschool Connections has partnered with Franciscan University of Steubenville and Benedictine College to make this into a reality this school year (2024-2025) and beyond.
Click on the questions below to learn more about each of these opportunities.
What is the Franciscan Advantage Program?
- The Franciscan Advantage Program will allow qualified students to enroll in Franciscan courses that align to their existing high school curriculum (Philosophy and Theology), prior to high school graduation.
- Eliminates geographic barriers to Franciscan University learning and resources.
- Decreases the cost of a Franciscan University education to families.
- Enhances the access to Franciscan University education and formation for students and families.
Which students are eligible to participate in the program?
Eligibility requirements for student participation in Franciscan High School Advantage:
- Minimum age of 16
- Enrolled in high school as a junior or senior
- Possess a cumulative 2.4 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
Who will teach these courses?
Students at Homeschool Connections will benefit from the instruction provided by HSC Instructors. They will teach the course as normal but the students also taking advantage of this opportunity will be concurrently enrolled in a Franciscan Advantage course and will complete Franciscan assessments. Please note that direct instruction between Franciscan University faculty and the high school students is limited.
Where/when will these courses be taught?
The course eligible at Homeschool Connections for the FUS Advantage program will be taught in the normal course of the semester/school year. The only difference is these students are enrolled concurrently in Homeschool Connections and the Franciscan class.
What is the cost?
In addition to the normal cost of the Homeschool Connections course, Franciscan Advantage course tuition is $100 per credit hour ($300 per 3-credit course) for the 2024-2025 academic year. This will be billed directly by Franciscan University.
How many credits may a student earn?
- While the FUS Advantage program at its maximum affords students the opportunity to earn up to 36 credits at Franciscan University prior to high school graduation, the number of courses at Homeschool Connections eligible are currently being approved and may not add up initially to 36 credits.
- Homeschool Connections will continue to grow is list of eligible courses which conforms to the requirements of dual enrollment with FUS. Currently, there are only a few courses which meet this eligibility.
- The agreement could expand across additional disciplines in future years.
How will student learning be evaluated by Franciscan?
- Franciscan University faculty will create a mid-term exam and final exam.
- This exam will be administered on the University’s learning management system during the normal school day.
Where can I use these Franciscan credits?
- Credits earned are immediately applied to Franciscan University. In most cases, credits earned at Franciscan are transferable to other colleges and universities. Each college or university has its own policies regarding transferability of credits.
- Each student may request a transcript with grades and credits earned.
What are the timelines for enrollment and completion of courses?
- Priority course registration must be completed NO LATER than September 15, 2024.
- All Franciscan coursework must be completed by May 31, 2025.
What other benefits are available for the students?
-
High school students enrolled in the Franciscan Advantage Program can also take part in Franciscan’s unique Franciscan Life Online. This provides opportunities for community and faith formation through virtual events such as small group meetings, weekly Rosary, and livestreamed lectures.
What are the eligibility requirements?
-
The minimum age of 16.
-
Students who are in their junior or senior year of high school.
-
Possess a cumulative 2.4 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
-
Recommendation from the partnering high school.
Who can I contact at Franciscan University if I have additional questions?
Thomas J. Costello Sr. is the program manager for the Franciscan Advantage Program. His email is [email protected]. His office phone number is 740-283-6230. His cell phone number is 973-459-0863.
What is Franciscan University of Steubenville?
- Franciscan University is one of only 15 Catholic universities endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society.
- Franciscan University was founded in 1946 by friars of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance.
- Franciscan University integrates excellent academic programs with a dynamic faith environment to serve 2,500 students from all 50 states and 17 countries on campus and an additional 900 students online.
- Franciscan University offers 45 undergraduate degrees, 12 graduate programs, and 17 online programs.
What courses are available this school year?
- College Prep Physics, Parts One & Two, with Tom Frederick (FUS PHY 111, 3 credits)
- Henle 3rd Year Latin, Parts One & Two, with Debbie Gaudino (FUS LAT 104, 3 credits)
- Epic and the Person, Parts One & Two, with Henry Russell (FUS ENG 210, 3 credits)
- Chemistry with Lab, Parts One & Two, with Kathy Dutton (FUS CHM 110/115, 4 credits)
- Calculus, Parts One & Two, with Eric Swager (FUS MTH 161, 4 credits)
- Philosophy of the Human Person, Parts One & Two, with Sam Nicholson (FUS PHL 113, 3 credits)
What is the partnership with Homeschool Connections and Benedictine College?
Beginning in September 2024, an agreement between Benedictine College and Homeschool Connections allows qualified Homeschool Connections juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn Benedictine College credits for specially identified courses. Homeschool Connections students enroll concurrently in both the Homeschool Connections course and the Benedictine College course.
How do I know which Homeschool Connections courses are offered for Advanced College Credit?
All courses that are eligible for Advanced College Credit will be designated in the Homeschool Connections course description.
What does the experience of taking an Advanced College Credit course through Homeschool Connections and Benedictine College look like?
The course may be offered as a combination of live online class time and video lectures.
The course content will be comparable to a Benedictine College introductory class (1000 level courses only).
Who will teach the courses?
Instructor must have a master’s degree in the subject area of the course being taught or 18 hours of graduate course work in the subject area of the course being taught. All instructors must be approved by both Homeschool Connections and Benedictine College.
Who is eligible to take an Advanced College Credit course?
High school juniors and seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA can get a jump start on their college degree while earning high school credit through the Homeschool Connections Advanced College Credit partnership with Benedictine College.
Do I have to apply for admission to Benedictine College before I take a class?
No, students do not need to apply for admission at Benedictine College to enroll in these courses. You will register for the Advanced College Credit course when you register for the Homeschool Connections credit.
Will I get a refund if I decide to withdraw from the class?
The student must withdraw from the course within 30 days of the beginning of their school term to receive a refund of their fees. Students who drop the course after that date will not receive a refund.
Can I transfer the credits to other colleges and universities?
Yes, you may transfer credits to other colleges and universities. Due to the introductory nature of the course the credits will transfer to many colleges and universities.
Once I complete the course, how do I access my transcript?
To order an official transcript(s), login to the National Student Clearinghouse at www.getmytranscript.com. The site will walk you through placing your order, including delivery options and fees. You will need your Benedictine College Student ID number to request your transcript. Your ID number will be provided by Homeschool Connection after you registration is completed with Benedictine College. Be sure to keep this number safe! Note: Unofficial transcripts are not provided.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Academic Records at 913.360.7550.
What grade do I have to receive to earn the credit?
College credit will be granted for grades of ‘C’ or better. For grades lower than ‘C’, students will be given a mark of no credit, ‘NC.’
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
To learn more about offering courses or enrolling in a course though this partnership, contact [email protected].
What courses are available this school year?
General Psychology, Part one and two with Krisit Moore-PSYC-1000 for 3 college credits.(Benedictine)
