Linda Porter, Educational Resource Specialist
Jun 23, 2025
Thinking About Dual Enrollment? Start Here. Summer is the perfect time to explore academic acceleration! Dual enrollment lets high school students earn college credit—often for free—while still in high school. Learn how programs in Palm Beach County can help you get ahead, save money, and stand out on college applications.
Summer is a great time to get a jumpstart on your academic goals. Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses (often for free) while still in high school, earning credit toward both high school and college graduation.
It’s a great way to challenge yourself, explore new subjects, and even lighten your future college course load. For students in Palm Beach County, Palm Beach State College offers a strong dual enrollment program with flexible options and supportive instructors.
Thinking of Dual Enrollment in Palm Beach County? Colleges Do Take Notice! Dual enrollment in Palm Beach County offers a fantastic opportunity for motivated high school students to earn college credit at little or no cost. Through strong partnerships with Palm Beach State College (PBSC) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU), students can take tuition-free courses and potentially graduate with up to 30 college credits. For families hoping to offset the rising cost of higher education, that’s a meaningful advantage. That said, added expenses like transportation to off-campus classes should also be considered.
The academic acceleration that dual enrollment offers is a compelling highlight. Students can graduate high school having already completed college-level work. In some cases, students can even earn associate degrees before their peers finish freshman year! But there’s another side to consider. The fast pace, while exciting on paper, can add substantial pressure. Balancing high school responsibilities with college coursework isn't for everyone and the stress can detract from extracurriculars or personal development if not carefully managed.
Participating in dual enrollment signals academic readiness, which is an appealing trait on any college application. However, not all institutions, particularly private or out-of-state colleges, accept dual enrollment credits. Families need to do their homework with guidance counselors to ensure those hard-earned credits will transfer successfully. The flexibility of the program is a draw, with options for in-person, online, and hybrid classes across five PBSC campuses. With these configurable options, students have greater control over both the format and timing of their learning. That said, navigating course availability and scheduling conflicts (especially during summer), is a delicate dance for many.
According to PalmBeachSchools.org, students must demonstrate strong academic achievement and solid test scores to qualify for this exceptional pathway, And while dual enrollment has a great deal to offer, students and families should approach it with both optimism and realism, evaluating whether the structure fits their goals, readiness, and circumstances. With thoughtful planning, the program can open doors and strengthen college applications.
Resources:
https://www.pbsc.edu/dual-enrollment/