dual enrollment Archives - The Mount Observer

How High Schoolers in Central Mass Are Getting Diplomas at MWCC

By editorialteam on November 24, 2024

By Benjamin Heffner | Observer Contributor

In June 2024, Bryce Caron graduated from Gardner High School with not only a high school diploma, but college credits as well under his belt. Caron earned his college credits through the North Central Massachusetts Early College Academy, a division of MWCC’s Early College & Dual Enrollment Department. He is now continuing his studies at Springfield College majoring in Psychology with two minors in Athletic Coaching and Sports Analytics. “Dual Enrollment really helped me get an understanding of what to expect at a college level and made the transition from high school to college so easy. I was able to make so many meaningful connections and spend the time I would have spent stressing on the small things with friends,” Caron said. read more

(Archive October 1, 2011) Could Dual Enrollment Be Right for You?

By editorialteam on August 5, 2024

By Naomi Kiarie | Observer Contributor

Every high school student can attest to having that moment. It comes without warning, and it hits hard. You realize pretty soon you are going to have to leave high school to go off to college and although you have taken all the college prep classes, you still don’t feel completely ready. It could be a scary moment. But there might be a way to better arm yourself for the transition to college – start early.

I am talking about dual enrollment. Dual enrollment students are high school students taking college courses that, one, count toward their high school diplomas, and two, build up college credit. Most teens that choose to dual enroll find high school courses unchallenging. However, a growing number of students simply want to get a head start on college. Who chooses dual enrollment? The majority are juniors and seniors in high school, but I have met sophomores taking a class or two. read more

Are You Satisfied With High School?

By editorialteam on April 21, 2020

Barr foundation strives to reform high school experience

By Magdalen Bresee and Dylan Hatch
Observer Contributors

Are you satisfied with your high school experience? According to a 2015 Gallup Student Poll, only 35% of high schoolers believe they possess adequate problem-solving skills, and only 33% of students feel they have a mentor who encourages their development. These alarming responses reflect the inadequacy of modern secondary education and prompt many to examine the specific elements that are failing students.

The Barr Foundation, in association with its 22 partnering communities throughout New England, including four school districts and MWCC in North Central Massachusetts, is leading the effort to renovate high school by learning from the thoughts and experiences of local students with the Portrait of a Graduate Grant. read more

Dare to Do Double Duty

By editorialteam on February 23, 2020

Dual enrollment students tackle high school and college credit

By Hannah Bennett
Observer Contributor

The Dual Enrollment program allows students who are 16 years old or older to enter the college environment and earn college credits before they graduate high school. However, there are requirements for every applicant to fulfill before and after acceptance into MWCC.

Sixteen-year-old first-year transfer student Maddie Faneuf has only attended classes at the Mount for a few months, but she has joined the SGA (Student Government Association) and explored several services provided by the college in that short time. read more

High School Just Got Easier

By editorialteam on November 13, 2019

Student talks about attending high school and college simultaneously