High school students earn college credits through Marian Court

Students at three North Shore high schools have the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school thanks to a dual-enrollment program offered by Marian Court College, a four-year institution in Swampscott.Marian Court College started the dual-enrollment program in 2008 at St. Mary’s in Lynn, where seniors can take college-level, three-credit criminal justice courses taught by a full-time Marian Court professor.The program expanded to Beverly High School in 2013 and Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody this fall. Psychology and sociology are offered at Beverly, while a business course is taught at Fenwick. When students complete the course, they receive a college transcript with transferable credits, along with their grade.?The dual-enrollment program provides an excellent learning opportunity for high-school students while giving them a chance to get a head start on their college credits,” said Dr. Denise Hammon, Marian Court College president. “It is also appealing to parents, who welcome the tuition savings.”There are at least a half-dozen St. Mary’s graduates currently working toward their bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Marian Court College, a testament to the successful partnership. One of them, Devaney Sloan, will be among the college’s first class of four-year graduates next spring.Sloan said she came to Marian Court College based on her positive experience taking Introduction to Criminal Justice with professor Fran Brennan while she was at St. Mary’s.?Professor Brennan inspired me so much,” she said. “That’s the reason I went to Marian Court. I was always interested in criminal justice, and I was used to a small school, so Marian Court was the perfect fit for me.”Sloan anticipated having to complete her bachelor’s degree elsewhere, but when Marian Court College added bachelor programs in criminal justice and business, she was thrilled to stay put.?I was nervous about going to a bigger school. I like the 1-on-1 attention,” she said. “Marian Court has been a very positive experience. I don’t want to leave.”In its seventh year, the dual-enrollment program at St. Mary’s is still going strong. There are tentative plans to add business courses next spring.?This is a tremendous opportunity for students to experience college while learning the skills, work habits and requirements necessary to be successful at the next level,” said William Mosakowski, St. Mary’s Board of Trustees chairman and a Swampscott resident. “It is also a wonderful partnership between Marian Court and St. Mary’s, working together to shape the educational experience for students.”?St. Mary’s and Marian Court have much in common. Both are great Catholic institutions that provide an excellent education and individualized attention to students,” Hammon said. “Our hope is to enhance the relationship moving forward.”