Homeschool family defends rights to dual-enrollment programs for high school students

Thanks to dual enrollment, many homeschool students don’t need to graduate high school before taking college-level courses. Some can even complete college degrees while still in their teens.

For example, Florida’s dual-enrollment program enabled two homeschool brothers to advance so quickly they were on track to graduate Miami Dade College with two associate degrees each, the day before they finished high school.

“It was literally homeschooling through college,” said Aglika Arroyo, the mother of both students. “It was really beneficial for us in that sense, as we engaged in discussions that further strengthened their critical thinking and fortified their worldview, learning not to compromise with their convictions, while completing the class requirements.” 

However, a misunderstanding at the college threatened to derail the family’s graduation plans until Aglika sought legal help.

‘I’m glad I had an advocate’ 

When the family was filling out the formal graduation application, a college guidance counselor told Aglika she needed to sign an affidavit affirming her sons’ graduations from high school. Only then could they walk in the commencement ceremony, the counselor said.

Aglika didn’t want to sign the affidavit because legally, once her sons completed high school, they no longer qualified for the dual-enrollment program. Instead, she decided to call the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). 

The nonprofit’s senior counsel, Thomas Schmidt, contacted the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Articulation. An official confirmed the affidavit did not apply to dual-enrollment students. 

“Schmidt asked the state official to contact Miami Dade College, and then sent an email of his own clarifying that the Arroyo brothers were indeed following the law—that they could finish their high school program and earn an associate degree simultaneously,” wrote Dave Dentel, HSLDA staff writer. 

After Schmidt’s intervention, the college reversed course and allowed the Arroyo brothers to graduate. Both have been accepted at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for further studies. 

“I probably wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did if I hadn’t called HSLDA,” Aglika said. “I’m glad I had an advocate.” 

The nonprofit encourages all homeschool students to consider dual enrollment as one of many course options for the best high school experience. 

Families will need to research each college’s eligibility policies which can include placement tests, student ages, and minimum SAT or ACT scores. 

“A dual-enrollment course provides your teen with classroom experience and an opportunity to practice significant time management,” HSLDA explains. “Consider beginning with one course to see how your teen handles the faster pace and greater depth of information.”