Head start during HS

[HeritageCreek]

Hi all!

New to the forum. I've been reading posts - lots of great info and support here! Thank you!!

Backstory: I earned a BA in Communications from TESU in 2008. Took me 18 months using CLEP/DSST/TECEP and TESU courses. Great experience.

Fast forward to 2025. I have a highly motivated 15yo that's interested in the finance world. The kid loves numbers - he sets his alarm for 5am so he can study. We homeschool. He's nearly completed his high school requirements. I'm looking for options to challenge him and give him a head start on college.

Long-term we're looking at TESU's BSBA in Finance degree once he turns 18. Definitely open to other options. 

CLEPS: this is what I know best from personal experience. Also going to look into Sophia courses.

The RA requirement is new since I was a student and is a little confusing to me...how do I know if a course is RA or not?

Does anyone know how Dual Enrollment works as a homeschooler? We live in MI. Are there affordable online options for this?

Any other tips/advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!!

[bjcheung77]

The RA requirement is new since I was a student and is a little confusing to me...how do I know if a course is RA or not?

Does anyone know how Dual Enrollment works as a homeschooler? We live in MI. Are there affordable online options for this?

Easy, it's just a classification system indicating it's from an institution or course provider, RA just means it's an exam or class from an institution that grants degrees, such as TESU online class, e-pack, TECEP. If it's coming from ACE/NCCRS course providers or from CLEP/DSST as exams, they're alternative credit, thus, not from a college/university or institute that grants degrees.

You're in MI, find the local community colleges, institutes or universities that allow dual enrollment. If it's cheaper than a TESU TECEP, it's well worth it. You just need up to 24 credits RA, if they're going the TESU route, you need 6 RA from TESU to make it 30 in total, or do 5 TECEPs for 15 credits, then take the flat rate for 1 semester for 15 credits residency. Review the WIKI plans...

[davewill]

RA stands for "Regional Accreditation". It's the kind of accreditation most mainstream colleges and universities have. It contrasts with "National Accreditation" (NA). Schools that are NA are recognized by the U.S. Dept of Education, and by most employers, but their credits and degrees are generally not recognized by RA schools.

It used to be very common to see NA schools advertising on TV with shady promises, but these days, even those schools are more likely to hold Regional Accreditation.

Dual Enrollment is generally a program run by the state's community colleges, so the best route to learn more would be to contact the local CC and inquire about enrolling.

[natshar]

Another Option is WGU teen: https://www.wgu.edu/admissions/teenage-learners.html

He can actually start the degree as soon as he graduates high school no need to wait until 18. (just graduate him early)

Probably a good place to start before making any big moves is doing this: https://courses.ulc.asu.edu/fundamentals...e-fin-294/
It's an intro finance class through ASU granting real college credit and help him see if finance is really for him or not before making any big decisions. Plus its homeschool friendly and you don't need to be graduated to sign up.

Where in Michigan do you live? PM me?? I might be able to help.