Arizona State University (ASU) Courses

While most high school level courses taught at Arizona Jewish Academy are by Arizona Jewish Academy faculty, partnership with ASU enables Arizona Jewish Academy to take some elective courses that may be of unique personal interest.

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment programs allow students to take college classes while they’re still enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit.** High school students who complete dual enrollment may need to take fewer classes in college due to earning transferable college credit. 

How Is Dual Enrollment Different from Advanced Placement Courses?

Advanced Placement® (AP) courses are college-level classes offered by the College Board and administered by high school teachers. These courses typically require more work, independent learning, and greater critical-thinking than standard high school courses. Unlike dual enrollment classes where students earn credits based on their completion of the course, students who participate in AP classes must pass a knowledge test to determine if they receive college credit.**

**Credits May Not Transfer: While in most cases credits will transfer, there are some circumstances when they won’t. For example, if your student chooses to attend a private university or out-of-state university, there is a chance that they might not accept the credits

The Advantages of Dual Enrollment 

1. Challenging Coursework

When students opt to take dual enrollment courses, they’re introduced to rigorous courses that align with their interests. That could lead to students identifying their career choice or declaring a major early on. Having access to higher-level classes can also help students set better academic goals. When they receive hands-on experience, they can use the skills learned in dual enrollment in their regular high school setting. 

2. Cost-Effective

One of the biggest advantages of dual enrollment is the reduced price of higher education. With college tuition increasing over the past decades, dual enrollment courses provide the perfect opportunity to drive down your student’s out-of-pocket costs. Nishmat Adin is proud to offer to families that all fees for these courses (including enrollment and credit granting fees) are included with Nishmat Adin tuition at no additional cost to families.  This allows students to get a taste of college with no financial burden—as a result, making college more attainable.   

3. Accelerated Education

Students who utilize dual enrollment are often able to graduate college earlier than anticipated. Since students begin earning college credit while still in high school, they can enter college with their prerequisites completed or halfway done. Students might also have more time to explore internships, social clubs, and volunteer work—all of which can help them identify their talents and make connections that will further their career.

ASU offers the opportunity for students to earn college credit while learning key skills to prepare them for a successful career.  Mastery certificates demonstrate specific skills and knowledge and are great to list on your resume while pursuing a bachelor's degree. Available Mastery Certificates include: 

• Google Information Technology Support
• Applied Business Data Analytics
• Project Management
• AWS Cloud Computing

Foundations Certificates are stackable certificates from ASU that help learners explore career interests and create a launching board for degree programs. The certificates are designed to to assist students in building fundamental skills before committing to specific programs. Each certificate consists of 4-6 courses (12-18 credit hours). 

Certificates are available in the following areas: 

• College Foundations
• Health Education
• General Business
• STEM Foundations
• Engineering
• Behavioral Sciences
• Sustainability
• Education
• Computer Science

Arizona Jewish Academy students are eligible to obtain Mastery or Career Foundations Certificates at no additional tuition cost.  

Students interested in pursuing either a Mastery Certificate or a Foundations Certificate should seek approval from Arizona Jewish Academy Faculty or Administration prior to pursuit, in order to best determine suitability.