DUAL & ENROLLMENT COURSES
St. Joseph High School proudly provides students with access to 26 Early College Experience, college-level, and Advanced Placement courses—offering more opportunities than any other Catholic private school in our region.
At St. Joseph High School, we are committed to providing students with exceptional academic opportunities that prepare them for the challenges of college and beyond. Our Dual Enrollment and College-Level Courses offer motivated students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school, engaging in rigorous coursework that fosters intellectual growth and critical thinking. Through partnerships with esteemed colleges and universities, students gain access to advanced subjects, experience the demands of college-level study, and strengthen their academic portfolios. These programs empower students to take ownership of their learning, setting them on a path toward future success.
WHAT IS A DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSE?
Dual Enrollment courses provide students with the opportunity to take college-level classes while still enrolled at St. Joseph High School. These courses grant both high school and college credit, allowing students to get a head start on their higher education journey. By earning transferable college credits, students may reduce the number of courses required in college, ultimately saving time and tuition costs.
At St. Joseph High School, Dual Enrollment courses are taught by our distinguished faculty, who serve as adjunct instructors for our university partners.
We are proud to collaborate with the University of Connecticut, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Iowa to offer these academically rigorous courses, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the demands of collegiate study.
HOW IS DUAL ENROLLMENT DIFFERENT FROM ADVANCED PLACEMENT?
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes designed by the College Board and delivered by St. Joseph High School’s faculty. These courses provide a rigorous academic challenge for highly motivated students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in a particular subject area.
AP courses demand a higher level of independent learning, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking compared to standard Honors courses. Unlike Dual Enrollment courses, where students earn college credit upon successful completion, AP students must take and pass the AP exam to qualify for college credit, as determined by individual colleges and universities.
By enrolling in AP courses, students not only strengthen their academic portfolios but also develop the skills and discipline necessary for success in higher education.
HOW DO I EARN COLLEGE CREDIT?
When taking an Advanced Placement Course, the college credit will be determined by the score a student receives on their AP Exam (administered in May). When taking a Dual Enrollment Course, the credits earned can be applied toward a student's undergraduate degree and are transferable to most colleges or universities. It is a good idea to check with each college where your student is applying to view their policies in regard to Dual Enrollment and AP credits.
Upon completion of a Dual Enrollment Course, students will see the course listed on their SJ transcript as well as a transcript from the College/University partner.
DOES ST. JOES OFFER THE I.B. PROGRAM?
The International Baccalaureate Program is not offered at St. Joseph High School for a variety of reasons:
1) Flexibility in Curriculum - St. Joseph High School offers many ways for students to customize their educational experience - including offering College Level Courses, Virtual High School, independent studies, and courses over the summer. The I.B. Program, while rigorous, is a highly structured curriculum that limits a school's ability to tailor coursework to a students' interest and strengths.
2) Accessibility and Inclusivity – The I.B. program can be demanding both academically and financially, potentially making it less accessible to a broad range of students. St. Joseph High School is dedicated to ensuring that all Cadets have equal opportunities when it comes to their educational choices.
3) College Credit Opportunities – Many colleges and universities offer more widely accepted and potentially transferable credit for AP and Dual Enrollment courses. This gives greater opportunities for SJ students to earn transferable college credits - in fact, most of our students graduate with at least six college credits earned.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS ELIGIBLE FOR A COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE?
The Curriculum Sequence for our students is available each February in our Program of Studies. We strive to increase the variety of College Level Courses offered to our students each year, but if you are interested in viewing what we currently offer, you may click here to view our 2025-2026 Program of Studies. Within the book, you will also be able to note any pre-requisite or grade requirements for each course.
College Level Courses Currently Available to St. Joseph High School Students:
Dual Enrollment
- Advanced Physics (4 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- Biology & Lab (8 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- Calculus, BC (8 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- Exploring Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
- Partner: University of Iowa
- Faith & Reason (3 credits)
- Partner: Sacred Heart University
- Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- Introduction to World Religions (3 credits)
- Partner: Sacred Heart University
- Music Theory and Ear Training (6 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- Physics (4 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- Statistics (4 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
- United States History Since 1877 (3 credits)
- Partner: University of Connecticut
Advanced Placement
- Art & Design
- Calculus, AB
- Calculus, BC
- Chemistry & Lab
- Economics
- English Language and Composition
- English Literature Composition
- Environmental Science
- European History
- French Language
- Pre-Calculus
- Psychology
- Spanish Language
- Statistics
- United States Government and Politics
- United States History
Early College Advantage:
Dual Enrollment & AP Courses
