Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

COAST NOTE
MGCCC LAUNCHES HOMESCHOOL ACADEMY:
A NEW PATHWAY FOR HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) introduces its new Homeschool Academy this fall semester. It is a program designed to offer homeschooled students the opportunity to experience college life and earn academic credits before graduating high school. This innovative initiative aims to make MGCCC the higher education institution of choice for homeschool families in the region.
story and photos courtesy of MGCCC
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
The MGCCC Homeschool Academy enables students to earn up to 15 college credit hours per academic year at a discounted rate while completing their high school curriculum.
“We want to provide homeschool students with the same opportunities and benefits available to traditional high school students,” says Dr. Brad Bailey, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Strategy and Communication. “MGCCC wants to be the higher education institution of choice for homeschool families.”
SUPPORT FOR HOMESCHOOL PARENTS
MGCCC understands the unique needs of homeschool families. The Homeschool Academy offers a curriculum customized to supplement existing homeschool programs, ensuring compatibility with dual enrollment guidelines.
“Our flexible course formats allow homeschool students
to maintain their schedules and participate in their desired extracurricular activities,” says Justin Mills, Collegiate Academy Counselor and Career Coach. “We strive to provide a seamless integration of college and homeschool education.”
ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
To join the Homeschool Academy, prospective students must meet dual enrollment criteria, including being classified as
high school juniors or higher and have a minimum overall high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Interested families can learn more about the program and enrollment process at mgccc.edu/ homeschool-academy.
A FUTURE-READY INITIATIVE
MGCCC’s Homeschool Academy is more than just an educational program; it is a commitment to fostering academic excellence and providing homeschool students with the tools they need to successfully transition to college. “This initiative reflects our dedication to supporting diverse educational pathways and preparing students for a bright future,” adds Dr. Bailey.
By offering a blend of rigorous academics, comprehensive resources, and flexible scheduling, MGCCC is paving the way for homeschooled students to thrive in higher education and beyond. The Homeschool Academy stands as a testament to the college’s mission to empower every student with the opportunity to achieve their academic and career goals.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Expert Instruction | No-cost Tutoring | Cost-effective Education | Library & Database Access | Smooth Transition to College | Student Activities/Clubs
22 | September 2024 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living