For middle and high school homeschool families in South Florida, the term "dual enrollment" might sound like an insider secret—but it’s one that could change your child’s academic trajectory and save thousands of dollars in the process.
Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses, earning college credits for free or at a significantly reduced cost while still completing high school. It's an incredible opportunity to explore interests, gain academic confidence, and set the stage for a successful future.
Why Dual Enrollment is Gaining Popularity
Kerry McDonald’s recent article, How Dual Enrollment Helps Students Hack High School, highlights the rapid growth of these programs: "Between 2021 and 2023, dual enrollment figures climbed from 1.5 to 2.5 million high schoolers, with another 7 percent increase in 2024." This rise is driven by a combination of factors, including increasing homeschooling numbers, college tuition costs, and a growing focus on practical college and career readiness.
Homeschoolers in particular benefit from dual enrollment, as McDonald explains:
“For homeschoolers, microschoolers, and the ballooning cohort of kids learning beyond a conventional classroom, dual enrollment offers a valuable high school hack. These students use dual enrollment courses to make their high school years more productive and meaningful.”
Dual Enrollment Success Stories in South Florida
Our family has experienced the power of dual enrollment firsthand. Each of our three children has leveraged dual enrollment to explore their passions, earn credits, and step confidently into their futures:
Our Oldest (Psychology Doctorate): Started dual enrollment at age 16, taking forensic science and psychology classes at FAU, which led to a full scholarship at PBA. She served the last year as a counselor at Miami Children's Hospital is now pursuing her internship at some of the best children's hospitals around the globe.
Our Middle Son (Architectural Drafting): Earned an AS and an architectural drafting license while in high school, which paved the way for his full scholarship to FAU and a job at a prestigious architecture firm in Delray Beach.
Our Youngest (Welding & Metalworking): Currently dual-enrolled at a tech college and on track to graduate with an AS and licenses in welding, one of the most in-demand trades globally.
South Florida offers unique opportunities for homeschoolers to maximize the benefits of dual enrollment. For instance, state-run colleges provide up to 8 credit hours per semester and a $500 book allowance at no cost to homeschooling families. Additionally, school choice funding can cover supplies like welding tools or drafting equipment, further reducing the financial burden.
How to Get Started
If dual enrollment sounds like the right fit for your student, here’s how to take the first step:
Contact Local Colleges: South Florida institutions like Broward College, Miami Dade College, and FAU offer dual enrollment options. Check their homeschool dual enrollment pages for specific requirements.
Plan for Core and Elective Classes: Your student can use dual enrollment to knock out general education courses (like ENC101 or College Algebra) or explore electives that align with their interests.
Leverage School Choice Funds: Don’t forget to tap into available resources to cover the costs of supplies and tools related to your child’s chosen field.
A Future Worth Investing In
Dual enrollment is more than just a cost-saving measure; it’s a powerful way for students to discover their strengths, develop time management skills, and gain real-world experience before college. As McDonald highlights, these programs can also serve as springboards for vocational or certificate programs, giving students hands-on training in high-demand fields.
As parents, we have the opportunity to help our children navigate an educational system filled with creative pathways to success. Dual enrollment is one such pathway that not only prepares them for college but also equips them with the skills, credits, and confidence to excel in their chosen careers.
Ready to get started? Check out these links to South Florida dual enrollment programs:
Broward College Dual Enrollment - Available to Secondary students. Must submit SAT or ACT test scores or take the PERT or ACCUPLACER placement.
Miami Dade College Dual Enrollment - Available to Secondary students. Must submit SAT or ACT test scores or take the PERT or ACCUPLACER placement.
Florida Atlantic University Dual Enrollment - Available to Secondary students. Must submit SAT or ACT test scores or take the PERT or ACCUPLACER placement.
Palm Beach State - Available to Secondary students. Must submit SAT or ACT test scores or take the PERT or ACCUPLACER placement.
FIU - Junior or Seniors level students must meet minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and minimum scores on common placement test (PERT)
University of Florida - Junior or Seniors level students must meet minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and minimum scores on common placement test (PERT)
Atlantic Technical College McFatter Technical College or Sheridan Technical College - Junior or Seniors level students must pass minimum scores on common placement test (PERT) before graduating
By harassing opportunities like dual enrollment, South Florida homeschoolers can hack the high school system and create an educational experience tailored to their dreams and aspirations while saving a tons of money on education.
For more information on dual enrollment and homeschooling tips, read Kerry McDonald’s full article here. Also read this informational FAQ sheet about homeschooling and dual enrollment from Florida's Department of Education.
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