With the convenience of online learning, more high school students are choosing to complete college coursework during their high school years. Distance learners at Ignite Christian Academy are no exception.
Senior Meiling Sproger is one of several students currently enrolled in ICA's dual credit program through Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. With plans to study government in college and hopes of becoming a representative for the state of Washington someday, Sproger jumped at the opportunity to take American National Government for both high school and college credit.
"It's really been a gift to work with Northwestern College because I've gained so much knowledge from it," Sproger said. "It is extraordinary."
Throughout the semester, Sproger has studied topics including the court system, legislature, and more. "I think they do a really good job in how thoroughly they address the topics," she said.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, nearly 1.3 million high school students took college courses through a dual credit program during the 2010-2011 school year. In addition to exposing students to advanced material, dual credit courses help students graduate early, save on college tuition, and understand the academic expectations present in a college setting.
Working with Dr. Jeffrey VanDerWerff from Northwestern has been a particularly rewarding experience for Sproger. She has enjoyed his teaching and been impressed by Dr. VanDerWerff's prompt responses and flexibility as she's worked her way through the course.
"He has a fun attitude and makes the students really think and comprehend," Sproger said. "I am thankful for the opportunity ICA has given me."
This spring, three dual credit courses are available at Ignite Christian Academy. Though General Psychology is already full, registration for U.S. History and Literary Contexts runs through Friday, December 13. To enroll, students must possess junior or senior status and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information about the dual credit program, registration deadlines, or to enroll, contact your education coordinator or call 800-682-7396.