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Program Vision & Purpose

The Early College Program at Westminster Christian Academy – Opelousas Campus supports college readiness through intentional opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students may choose from community college dual enrollment options through SLCC, Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, and expanded dual enrollment coursework through Louisiana State University Baton Rouge (LSU).


These pathways are designed to strengthen academic confidence, build academic discipline, and accelerate progress toward postsecondary goals.
 

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment allows eligible high school students to take college courses and receive college credit that also applies toward high school graduation requirements. These credits are issued on an official college transcript and may transfer to colleges and universities nationwide.


Dual enrollment coursework becomes part of a student’s permanent college academic record.
 

Why Consider Early College?

Participating in the Early College Program offers several advantages:

  • Earn college credits early
  • Reduce future college tuition costs
  • Strengthen academic and time-management skills
  • Gain experience with college-level expectations
  • Deepen exploration of academic and career interests
  • Enhance a student’s high school transcript and college applications
     
Ideal Early College Student Profile

The Early College Program is best suited for students who demonstrate:

  • Strong academic readiness
  • Time-management skills
  • Emotional maturity
  • Perseverance through challenging coursework
  • Ability to self-advocate and seek help when needed
  • Consistent effort and responsibility


Participation is optional and intentional, not expected for every student.
 

Important Academic Responsibility Reminder

Dual enrollment grades become part of a student’s permanent college transcript.


Poor performance can affect:

  • College admission eligibility
  • Future scholarship opportunities
  • College GPA (depending on how a future university applies the credits)


Students should enter the Early College Program with a readiness mindset and a commitment to consistent academic effort.
 

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility varies by institution and by course. Requirements may include:

  • Minimum GPA requirements
  • Placement or readiness test scores (ACT/SAT/Accuplacer or other approved assessments)
  • Counselor approval
  • Parent consent
  • Completion of the college application process
  • Course-specific prerequisites (especially in math and science)


All dual enrollment students must be in good standing at Westminster Christian Academy.
 

Academic Expectations

Dual enrollment coursework carries college-level expectations. Students should be prepared for:

  • Increased reading and writing demands
  • Independent work and sustained deadlines
  • Research-based assignments
  • Higher expectations for writing quality and formatting
  • More responsibility for time management and academic initiative


Students should expect that dual enrollment courses may require greater effort than traditional high school coursework.
 

Cost Considerations

Costs vary by provider. Families should plan for potential expenses including:

  • Tuition or per-credit-hour fees
  • Textbooks and course materials
  • Online platform access fees
  • Placement testing fees (if required)


WCA will communicate tuition and fee information as it becomes available each year.
 

WCA Support & Oversight

Westminster Christian Academy provides support to ensure students are placed appropriately and prepared for success, including:

  • Academic advising and planning support
  • Transcript coordination and graduation tracking
  • Course approval and registration guidance
  • Ongoing communication with families
  • Support in balancing workload and course selection


Dual enrollment is a partnership between WCA, the student, the family, and the college provider.
 

Available Pathways at WCA Opelousas

Students at Westminster Christian Academy – Opelousas Campus have multiple options for earning college credit.


Existing Options

  • SLCC Dual Enrollment (community college coursework)
  • Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams


Expanded Option

  • LSU Baton Rouge Dual Enrollment (in-person instruction at WCA)


Together, these options provide flexibility and depth in academic planning.
 

SLCC Dual Enrollment (Community College Coursework)

South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) provides dual enrollment opportunities that allow eligible high school students to earn college credit while completing high school coursework.


Current SLCC offerings at WCA Opelousas include:

  • Creative Writing
  • Pre-Calculus


SLCC dual enrollment courses are designed to help students begin earning transferable credits and gain experience with college expectations while still receiving support through the high school environment.


Students participating in SLCC dual enrollment should expect:

  • College-level assignments and deadlines
  • Official SLCC transcripted credit
  • Course requirements aligned with college standards
  • Responsibility for managing coursework and communication
     

LSU Baton Rouge Dual Enrollment (In-Person Instruction)

LSU Baton Rouge expands the Early College Program options for students at WCA Opelousas by offering college-level courses through an in-person instructional model. Students remain on the WCA campus during the school day while completing LSU coursework and earning official LSU credit.


In this model:

  • Students take LSU courses during the regular school day at WCA Opelousas
  • Instruction is provided in person on campus
  • Courses follow LSU academic standards and expectations
  • Students earn official LSU college credit and receive an LSU transcript


LSU dual enrollment courses are known for their rigor and strong preparation for university success.
 

Course Opportunities (Examples)

SLCC Dual Enrollment (Current Opelousas Offerings)
  • Creative Writing
  • Pre-Calculus
LSU Baton Rouge Dual Enrollment (Examples of Possible Offerings)
  • English Composition I and II
  • College Algebra and Trigonometry
  • Calculus sequences
  • U.S. History and World History courses
  • Spanish language courses
  • Biology sequences
  • Chemistry sequences
  • Introductory engineering courses
  • Digital Media design and fine arts electives
  • Child Development
  • Music Appreciation
     

Final offerings will be confirmed each year and are subject to LSU approval and course availability.

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

Students interested in dual enrollment should follow these steps:

Step 1: Student and Parent Interest Meeting

Meet with the WCA Academic Advisor to discuss readiness, course options, and pathway fit.

Step 2: Eligibility Review

WCA reviews GPA, test scores, and prerequisites to determine eligibility.

Step 3: College Application Submission

Students must apply to the selected institution (SLCC or LSU).

Step 4: Submit Required Documentation

This may include transcripts, test scores, parent permission forms, and counselor recommendations.

Step 5: Course Selection and Approval

Students choose courses with WCA approval to ensure graduation alignment.

Step 6: Registration and Scheduling

Once accepted and approved, students register for courses and confirm their schedule.

Step 7: Begin Coursework

Students complete required orientations, login setup, and begin coursework on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can dual enrollment credits transfer to other colleges?

Many dual enrollment credits transfer, but transfer decisions depend on the receiving institution. Families should confirm transfer policies with the intended university.

Can students take SLCC and LSU courses at the same time?

Possibly, but students should carefully plan workload and responsibilities. Course load approval is required.

What happens if a student drops a college class?

Provider policies govern drops and withdrawals. Students should consult WCA before dropping any dual enrollment course

How many dual enrollment courses should a student take?

This depends on the student’s maturity, workload, and extracurricular commitments. Many students begin with one course and expand gradually.

Next Steps

Students interested in the Early College Program should:

  1. Meet with WCA advising to discuss eligibility and pathway fit
  2. Review course options and readiness requirements
  3. Complete the SLCC or LSU application process as needed
  4. Register for approved courses
  5. Begin the semester prepared for college-level expectations


The Early College Program is a strong opportunity for motivated students, and WCA is committed to helping families navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
 

Program Contacts

Shaunda Bedel
Academic Advisor
sbedel@wcala.org


Dr. Dave Baniszewski
Upper School Principal
dbaniszewski@wcala.org