Marian Court partners with St. Mary’s on criminal justice course

LYNN – Seniors at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn are participating in a new dual enrollment criminal justice program at Marian Court College in Swampscott this year, earning both high school and college credits while tackling a difficult, but popular field of study.In all, 30 students are participating in the program, taught by Marian Court Criminal Justice Department Chair Fran Brennan. The introductory course allows students an opportunity to experience a college-level class and get a head start on a career in criminal justice.”This is an excellent example of how high school curriculum can coincide nicely with rigorous college-level course work and prepare students for a seamless transition,” said Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at Marian Court, Greg Lamontagne. “These 30 students are well prepared for college-level courses and now have the opportunity to get a jump-start on college credits as well as learn how to adapt to college.”Dual enrollment programs are becoming more and more popular for high school seniors, many of whom are eager to get started on life after 12th grade. Both Lynn English and Lynn Classical High School offer similar programs at Salem State and North Shore Community College, where students participate in courses not offered in the city’s curriculum, such as foreign language classes.St. Mary’s students take the course twice a week for a full semester, earning three high school credits and three transferable college credits in the process. Brennan, a former Army lieutenant colonel and decorated Vietnam veteran, said the high school students have been impressive in their understanding of the course material and possess excellent writing and composition skills.”This is a very serious group of students,” he said. “The class is interactive, and the students are very engaged.”Along with the in-classroom experience, the students will also get a valuable glimpse of what life will be like next year when they head off to various colleges and universities across the country.As part of the dual enrollment program, students will also attend a symposium at the college focused on urban crime, such as gang violence, vandalism and drug use.The symposium will feature prominent Essex County law enforcement officials as guest speakers and will enable the high school students to interact with criminal justice majors at Marian Court.A two-year Catholic college, Marian Court’s partnership with St. Mary’s is a natural one, as its close proximity in Swampscott and its core values blend with those of Lynn’s only private high school.”This partnership made perfect sense. Our Mission of Catholic education and our commitment to academic excellence relate nicely with Marian Court’s core values, small class size and nurturing campus environment,” said St. Mary’s Principal Carl DiMati. “This is a win-win for all involved, especially our students.”