Free Dual-Enrollment Program Saves Assumption Parish Families Over $234,000 in Tuition Costs, Gives Students a Jump Start on Careers
Program is Free of Charge to All Assumption Parish High School Students
Students in the 2026 graduating class of Assumption High School recorded more than 750 credits hours towards post-secondary education while in high school, saving them over $234,100 in projected tuition costs and giving them a jump-start on their careers at local colleges and technical schools.
The free program is one of the many benefits offered to students enrolled in the Assumption Parish Public School System that is not available through private, parochial or home schools in the area. The district covers the entire costs of the individual courses.
“Assumption High School is an A-Rated high school that offers its students a wide variety of opportunities to achieve college and technical school credits before they graduate. The dual enrollment program alone can mean a savings of hundreds, even thousands of dollars to families, not to mention the jump start it gives students on their post-secondary education,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said.
“I cannot think of a better gift to give our families than an introduction to a wide variety of opportunities for their child at no cost to their pocketbooks. To have these opportunities go beyond us and continue to benefit our families for years to come is the most valuable part of the program,” Dr. Barthelemy said.
Among this year’s graduating class, sixteen students took dual enrollment courses in education with Nicholls State University, while 106 students earned a variety of college credits with Southeastern Louisiana University. Another 68 graduating students took courses that offered dual credit with Fletcher Technical Community College while additional students earned college credit through 17 Advance Placement Exams (51hours) and 7 College Level-Examination Program (21 hours).
Top achievers included Rayna Burns and Kaziah Grizzle, who both earned 24 hours of college credit, a full year of college paid in full, while Bailea Bell, Kyria Lucas and Zoie Lablanc each earned 21 hours of college credit.
“The Dual Enrollment Program not only allowed me to earn college credits but also provided me with a glimpse into what college life and expectations are like,” said Rayna Burns, who plans to attend Xavier University this fall to pursue a dual degree in chemistry with a pre-pharmacy concentration.
“It taught me how to manage deadlines, think independently and take ownership of my education. These experiences have helped prepare me for the next chapter of my academic journey,” Burns added.
Danielle Hadrick, Burns’ mother, said the dual enrollment program offers more than an opportunity for academic achievement; it is an investment in her family’s future.
“Students are able to save both time and educational expenses while building the confidence needed to succeed at the next level,” Hadrick said. “For our family, it has been a rewarding experience that has helped lay a strong foundation for college success.”
Assumption High School offers dual credit classes in seven college courses (21 credit hours) earned through CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and seventeen college courses (51 credit hours) through AP (Advanced Placement). Classes include computer applications, education, English composition, poetry and drama, psychology, general biology, visual arts, art history, and western civilization, as well as others.
“We know that opportunities can look different for every student, so it is important that our school continues to offer a variety of programs and classes that can better prepare our students for their life choices. Our dual enrollment program is one of those important programs that can give our college-bound students a jump-start on their next level of education,” Dr. Barthelemy said.
If you are interested in enrolling in Assumption High School or learning more about the free college credit programs at Assumption High School, please contact AHS guidance at ahsguidance@assumptionschools.com, Mrs. Jessica Thibodeaux jthibodeaux@assumptionschools.com or call Assumption High School at 985-369-2956. Virtual students are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity as well.