Skip Navigation

Program Vision & Purpose

The Westminster Christian Academy Early College Program is designed to prepare students for college-level academics while honoring their spiritual, emotional, and developmental growth. Through intentional partnerships with Louisiana State University Alexandria (LSUA) and Louisiana State University Baton Rouge (LSU), qualified students may earn both high school and college credit while remaining rooted in the mission and community of WCA.


The Early College Program is an opportunity for students to grow in academic excellence, personal responsibility, and readiness for future success.
 

What Is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment allows high school students to enroll in college courses that count for official college credit while also satisfying WCA graduation requirements. These credits appear on an official college transcript and may transfer to many colleges and universities.


Dual enrollment provides students with a chance to experience the expectations of college-level coursework while still receiving the structure and support of their high school environment.
 

Why Consider Early College?

Students who participate in the Early College Program often benefit in several important ways:

  • Earn college credits early
  • Reduce future college tuition costs
  • Strengthen writing, study skills, and academic discipline
  • Build confidence in college-level expectations
  • Enhance transcripts and college applications
  • Explore academic interests and career pathways
     

The Early College Program can be an excellent option for students who are ready for increased independence and academic rigor.
 

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, and the ability to self-advocate.


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, and college GPA (depending on the institution).


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 course. Requirements may include:

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

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

Academic Expectations

Dual enrollment courses are college courses. Students should expect:

  • College-level reading loads
  • Independent deadlines and long-term projects
  • Higher expectations for writing, formatting, and citations
  • Major exams and cumulative assessments
  • More responsibility for time management
     

Faculty support remains strong, but students must take primary responsibility for their learning.
 

Cost Considerations

The Early College Program courses may significantly reduce future college tuition costs. However, families should plan for:

  • Per-credit-hour tuition (varies by institution)
  • Textbooks and course materials
  • Online platform access fees
  • Placement testing or readiness testing (if required)


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

WCA Support & Oversight

Westminster Christian Academy provides:

  • 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, and the college provider.
 

Early College Pathways at WCA Lafayette

WCA offers two primary early college options through LSUA and LSU Baton Rouge. Each pathway is unique in delivery model, structure, and expectations.

LSUA Dual Enrollment (Online)

LSUA dual enrollment courses are typically delivered fully online, allowing students flexibility in scheduling and pacing. Students complete assignments independently while meeting course deadlines.


This pathway is best suited for students who learn well independently, stay organized, and can manage online deadlines without daily reminders.


Common LSUA course offerings may include English composition, college math, introductory science courses, business, and elective courses. Course availability may vary by semester.


Students are responsible for logging in, completing assignments, and meeting deadlines. LSUA courses appear on an official LSUA transcript. Families should anticipate textbook and course platform costs.
 

LSU Baton Rouge Dual Enrollment (In-Person Model)

LSU Baton Rouge offers dual enrollment courses through an in-person instructional model. Students remain on the WCA campus during the school day while completing LSU coursework.

In this model: 

  • A WCA teacher serves as a trained teacher for the course during regular school hours
  • An LSU faculty member serves as the Instructor of Record
  • LSU provides course content, assessments, and grading requirements
  • Courses match LSU’s rigor and expectations


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


This pathway is best suited for students who want college rigor but benefit from a structured school-day environment, are strong readers and writers, and can manage long-term assignments with consistency.
 

LSU Baton Rouge Eligibility Summary (BOR Requirements)

The Louisiana Board of Regents outlines multiple ways students may qualify for academic dual enrollment courses. In general, students qualify through one of the following:


Option 1
The student must have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and demonstrate subject readiness through test scores or counselor recommendation.


Option 2
The student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the specific subject area and receive counselor recommendation.


Option 3
The student must have a minimum 2.5 dual enrollment college GPA if previously enrolled.
Readiness benchmarks commonly include ACT/SAT score minimums, MAP scores, or other approved measures.
 

Course Offerings (Examples)

English
  • Composition I
  • Composition II
  • Introduction to Fiction
  • Introduction to Poetry
History / Social Studies
  • Western Civilization
  • World History
  • U.S. History (to 1865 / since 1865)
Mathematics
  • College Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Contemporary Math
  • Business Calculus
Science
  • Chemistry I
  • Chemistry II
  • General Chemistry I (advanced STEM track)
  • General Chemistry II (advanced STEM track)
World Language
  • Spanish I
  • Spanish II
  • Spanish III
  • Spanish IV
Fine Arts / Electives
  • Digital Art
  • Moving Image / Motion Graphics
  • Computer Music

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

Students interested in dual enrollment should follow these steps:

Step 1: Student and Parent Interest

Contact 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 (LSUA or LSU BR).

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 these 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.

Will the dual enrollment grade affect college GPA?

Yes. Dual enrollment grades are recorded on a college transcript and may impact college GPA.

Can a student drop a dual enrollment course?

Policies vary by institution and may include deadlines and academic penalties. Students should consult WCA before dropping any course.

Are these courses harder than AP?

Dual enrollment courses are often comparable in rigor to AP. However, dual enrollment courses create a permanent college transcript record, while AP credit depends on exam scores.

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.

Can a student take LSUA and LSU BR courses at the same time?

Possibly, but it requires careful planning and approval. Students should not overload themselves.

Next Steps

Students interested in the Early College Program should:

  1. Schedule a meeting with WCA advising
  2. Review eligibility requirements
  3. Discuss course options and readiness
  4. Complete the application process for LSUA or LSU BR
  5. Register for approved courses


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

Program Contacts

Joe Nagy
Academic Advisor
jnagy@wcala.org


Brett Darby
Upper School Principal
bdarby@wcala.org