Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Potomac Shores has a thriving dual enrollment program and is leading the way in providing a comprehensive college-prep curriculum for students. John Paul’s dual enrollment offerings are growing in leaps and bounds. The school currently partners with Marymount University in Arlington, Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, The Catholic University of America in Washington, and Northern Virginia Community College to offer a possible 20 DE courses, for a total of 78 college credits.
These offerings provided by the school are varied and encompass many areas, which means all students have the opportunity to pursue their interests and earn college credits. From DE Personal Finance, Foundations of Catholicism, Multivariable Calculus, Case Studies & Applications in Bioethics, and Introduction to Nursing: Human Anatomy to DE Acting I, Cell Phone Photography, and Marine Science, the course offerings are broad and comprehensive.
The opportunity to take DE courses, which are college-level curriculums and taught by faculty qualified to teach at institutions of higher learning, greatly enhances the academic experience of students, and places them at a significant advantage. This year, Emilie Kemp, class of ’25 and a commended student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, became the first John Paul student to graduate with an associate degree thanks to dual enrollment courses. Kemp plans to continue her studies in the fall at William and Mary in Williamsburg.
The future is bright for Kemp and other John Paul students as the school continues to add more dual enrollment opportunities.
