Homeschooling, Learning, Lifestyle
College (maybe): Dual, Joint, and Early Enrollment for Homeschoolers
When you’re homeschooling, the decision-making never stops. From curriculum choices to extracurriculars, every fork in the road can feel like it will define your child’s future. Lately, one of the biggest decisions I’ve faced is whether to let my teen step into the world of college while still in high school.
For the past two summers, my daughter has attended SCAD’s Summer Series, which is a week-long immersive program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Watching her thrive in that environment, surrounded by creative energy, was eye-opening. She navigated the campus, worked on advanced projects, and came home with a spark in her eyes that no textbook could have given her. Those summers planted the seed: she was ready for more.
This year, after a lot of thought (and late-night Google searches), we decided she would graduate early so she could start taking college classes in the winter. But we also decided not to have her start full-time college just yet. She’s only 16, and while she’s mature in many ways, we want her to grow a little more before diving headfirst into dorm life. Plus, SCAD prefers incoming freshmen to live on campus for the first year. That’s a big leap and one we didn’t want to rush.
That’s when we started seriously exploring dual enrollment and joint enrollment as a bridge between high school and college.
What’s the Difference Between Dual Enrollment and Joint Enrollment?
Dual Enrollment
The student earns both high school credit and college credit for the same course. For example, an English 101 course might fulfill your homeschool senior English requirement and also appear on their college transcript.
Joint Enrollment
The student takes college classes only for college credit. The courses do not count toward their high school requirements—this is often chosen by students who have already completed high school graduation requirements but aren’t quite ready for full-time college.
Homeschooling for College: Steps to Prepare
If you’re thinking about letting your homeschooled teen dual or joint enroll, here’s how to get started:
-
Check State Rules
Every state has its own guidelines for homeschooling and college enrollment. Look into your state’s department of education website to see eligibility requirements and funding options. -
Contact Local Colleges or Community Colleges
Ask about their high school/dual enrollment programs. Many have admissions counselors specifically for this pathway. -
Plan Your High School Transcript
Decide which high school credits your student still needs and how college courses can fill them. For dual enrollment, map out which classes will count toward graduation. -
Prepare for Placement Tests
Most programs require Accuplacer, SAT, or ACT scores to determine college readiness. Schedule time to review and practice. -
Teach Time Management & Independence
College classes move faster and expect more self-directed work. Build those skills now with independent projects and firm deadlines. -
Discuss Social & Emotional Readiness
Even if your teen is academically capable, the maturity to handle older classmates, more freedom, and heavier workloads is just as important.
For us, choosing joint enrollment feels like the right balance. My daughter will get a taste of college academics, keep building her portfolio, and still have the security of home. And when the time comes to move into a dorm, she’ll walk onto campus not just as a freshman, but as someone who already knows she can succeed there.
Homeschooling has always been about tailoring education to our child’s needs. Sometimes that means holding them close; sometimes it means letting them stretch their wings. Dual or joint enrollment is just one more way to help them soar at their own pace.