Early College at BHCA

Early College at BHCA: Why Our Students THRIVE in Dual Enrollment

By Mrs. Natasha Brady, Head of School

There is a magical moment in the life of a BHCA student.

It happens sometime around sophomore year, when they suddenly realize:

“Wait… I can take COLLEGE classes… while I’m still in high school… and for HALF the price… AND get high school credit for them… AND graduate early if I want?”

Yes.
Yes you can, child.
Welcome to the blessing of early college.

And let me tell you — our students crush it.
Like, absolutely thrive.

But let’s talk about why they thrive, because it’s not an accident.

First: BHCA kids learn how to learn — not how to repeat.

We don’t assign packets of busywork.
We don’t send kids home with three hours of worksheets.
We don’t believe that doing more means learning more.

Instead, our students learn:

• how to study

• how to manage their time

• how to think critically

• how to write well

• how to actually understand what they’re learning

• how to take responsibility for their own progress
  
  

These skills are EXACTLY what college requires.

A worksheet?
College professors don’t care.

The ability to think?
That’s everything.

Second: Our students already have healthy academic independence.

By the time they’re in high school, BHCA students aren’t waiting for a teacher to spoon-feed instructions.

They’re used to:

• checking lesson plans

• following study guides

• preparing for tests

• completing projects

• keeping track of long-term assignments

• reviewing videos and practice links

• asking questions when they're lost
  
  

So when they take their first dual enrollment course, they’re not shocked.

College syllabi don’t scare them.
Online modules don’t break them.
Due dates don’t surprise them.

They’ve been practicing this skillset for YEARS.

Third: They get strong spiritual and academic support.

Our high schoolers aren’t thrown into the academic wilderness by themselves.

They have:

• teachers who check in

• accountability built into their schedules

• staff who look at their progress

• classmates who encourage each other

• parents who stay informed

• a school culture that values excellence
  
  

And yes — sometimes they have Mrs. Brady reminding them:

“You cannot save your college assignments for the night before.
I repeat.
YOU CANNOT.”

They hear me.
Eventually. 😂

Fourth: Early college saves families REAL money.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment:

When BHCA students take early college classes, they pay half the cost.

Half.

Do you know how much money this saves over time?

A lot.
A whole lot.
Like… “that-could’ve-bought-a-new-RV-slide-out” money.

And since these classes count for BOTH high school credit AND college credit, students graduate early, or with a huge jumpstart.

That’s a gift I wish I had at their age. For real...my student loans are my nemesis. 

Fifth: It builds confidence like nothing else.

There is NOTHING quite like watching a junior complete their first college course and say:

“I DID THAT.”

Suddenly, college isn’t scary.
It’s not this big unknown cloud of stress.

It’s doable.
It’s manageable.
It’s exciting.

Our kids walk into college later already knowing:

• how to manage a course load

• how to communicate with professors

• how to handle deadlines

• how to research and write

• how to juggle responsibilities
  
  

This confidence is a game-changer.

Finally: BHCA students thrive because they’re taught to honor God with their work.

College success isn’t just academics.
It’s character.

Our students have been taught:

• integrity

• responsibility

• faithfulness

• perseverance

• humility

• stewardship of time and talent
  
  

When you combine strong academics with strong character…
college is not overwhelming.

It’s the next step of God’s calling.

In Conclusion: Our Students Are Ready.

When outsiders hear we don’t assign homework, they sometimes assume our kids won’t be prepared for college.

Oh, friend.

Spend five minutes watching our juniors and seniors tackle their coursework — you’ll see quickly:

They are more than prepared. They are thriving.

BHCA doesn’t fill time.
We build thinkers.
We build leaders.
We build confident, capable young men and women who can step into early college — and do incredibly well.

And the best part?

They walk out of high school with a head start, a strong foundation, and the confidence to keep going.

Now that you're convinced, go read more about Early Start with International Baptist College & Seminary.