Feb 8, 2018 6 min read

The ability to start college as a sophomore with 30 credits or more is a reality for many students from Washington High School. Not only that, students have received these credits through studying and hard work, at no cost to their families.

“Through a special dual enrollment, students in Washington High School, from sophomores to seniors, have the ability to earn college credits at no cost,” said Principal Chet Henderson. “Most schools offer the Advanced Placement classes, but Washington also offers College in High School opportunities. Every student with a grade point average of 3.2 can apply for dual enrollment in specific courses.”

Students who choose this route work with the affiliated university and the school guidance office to get their courses and credits in order.

The traditional Advanced Placement course offered by most high schools is a popular way for students to earn college credits.

Brandy LaQuatra has taught Advanced Placement English for nine years at the high school and said that this year’s class of 20 seniors is the largest group she’s had for the course at one time.

LaQuatra explained that what is different with Advanced Placement is that “the teacher must develop her own syllabus and curriculum for the course to be approved by the college board. At the end of the year, then, each student must take the test to see if the credits are earned for the course.”

To offer a dual enrollment course, there is commitment on the part of the district’s faculty as well. Teachers who teach the courses have obtained needed additional training and credentials to be able to offer the course at a college level for their students.

Colleges that work with Washington School District to accept the dual enrollment credits include Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, University of Pittsburgh, St. Francis University and Seton Hill University.

There are 12 courses available with three to six credits in Advanced Placement (AP) or the College in High School (CHS) dual enrollment, including English, Spanish, psychology and biology.

A total of 64 students – 19 sophomores, 15 juniors and 30 seniors – are enrolled in either or both AP and CHS courses this year.

Teacher Josh Barrette has been involved in teaching the dual enrollment courses. He worked with the University of Pittsburgh to become accredited and qualified to teach American political process to sophomores.

Barrette explained that the CHS concept for this course “is flexible enough to allow me to use the syllabus from the professor at Pitt for the course, but to add in other activities to make it more localized,” he said. “For instance, we have students work with the elections department on election day to see how the election process actually works.”

Senior Mark Frazee is taking AP English and European history this year, as well as CHS calculus, web design and Spanish. When he graduates this spring, he will have taken 10 courses in high school that can be counted for college, so he should have 30 or more credits depending on what each class is weighted – most are three credits, but some are more. At that rate, he will have completed a year’s worth of college courses and could be starting as a sophomore in college.

Frazee said that what he has found helpful in taking these courses is that “developing actual thinking skills, you really care about your work and are actually proud to know you earned it when you do it successfully.”

A commonality among students taking advance courses is their involvement in other activities. In addition to classes, Frazee serves on student council, is a member of National Honor Society and is active in his church, Immaculate Conception, Washington. When he graduates, he plans to study communications and broadcasting for his degree.

Another senior who will be ready to jump into college is Maci Ward. Currently in AP English and AP biology, Ward said the CHS course she took in psychology, “helped me to decide on pre-med with a goal to be a pediatrician. Mr. (Jeff) Bunner is a phenomenal teacher.”

Ward has enough credits to begin college with one completed semester.

When not in class, Ward serves as cheer captain, is part of the school’s musical, track team, student council, French club, prom committee and National Honor Society. She also dances competitively with Moscetta’s Performing Arts Centers.

Junior Lilly Christy is planning to study physical therapy in college.

“I want to play soccer in college, so I’m not sure where I’ll go yet. I play on the Wash High boys soccer team and was the kicker on the boys football team. I also play in an independent soccer league based in Morgantown,” said Christy.

Christy has had five college classes so far. Her favorite was the American political process.

“Mr. Barrette does a lot of lectures with an interesting way of teaching,” said Christy. “College is a lot of time management and these classes have helped a lot with that. I will be ready.”

Gerald Comedy, a sophomore, is looking toward a career in physical therapy. A football player and wrestler, Comedy knows he has a long road ahead, but is getting into college courses now to help cut down some of the time. He is taking American political process and said that “it is the most challenging class and it requires more work and effort.”

He cited a recent report he prepared on government surveillance as interesting, but intensive. In addition to school activities, Comedy is active at his church, St. Paul’s AME, Washington.

Dual enrollment and advanced placement courses give students a jump start on college.

Members of the school board and Superintendent Dr. James Konrad share course information with prospective families moving into the area.

“Many districts offer advanced placement opportunities, but earning college credits for free is a great asset Washington School District offers its families and students,” said Konrad. “The dual enrollment and advanced placement provide a truly unique way for students to learn and grow, but also to save on their college costs.”