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Lancaster Mennonite High School students are getting a head start on college thanks to LM’s Dual Enrollment partnerships with Messiah University and Millersville University. These programs allow juniors and seniors to take college-level courses for credit while still in high school—credits that are easily transferable and often fulfill general education requirements in their intended majors.
Students apply directly through the universities, submitting transcripts and supporting documents with guidance from LM’s School Counseling Department. Courses are offered online and in-person, giving students flexibility to fit them into their LM schedules. If their schedule allows, LM students can dedicate a period each day to work on their dual enrollment classes, balancing both high school and college-level coursework.
LM also has dual enrollment courses taught on our campus by our faculty through Eastern Mennonite University, which include a few Social Studies/History classes and the senior Spiritual Formation class.
LM IU13 Counselor Erin Hill shared:
“Dual enrollment gives our students the opportunity to explore college academics in a supportive way while still in high school. It’s a tremendous way to save money on tuition, build confidence, and start strong in their future college careers.”
LM High School Principal Kirk Benner shared:
“Along with LM’s wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses to earn college credit, dual enrollment with some local universities provide a wonderful post-secondary option for students to earn credits.”
Students Share Their Experiences
Aubrey Thurber (’26) is taking Principles of Math and U.S. History through Messiah University this fall:
“It has been fun participating in class discussions online and seeing other students’ responses. I wanted to get a sample of college courses and earn credits early, especially since I plan to play a college sport and will have a demanding schedule. And I’m getting a head start on college towards my teaching degree.”
Jasper Baunee (’25), also in Principles of Math with Messiah University, is planning to take Educational Psychology next semester:
“Although Dual Enrollment may prove a challenge, it is healthy for me to become used to difficulty. I wanted to take these classes to get a head start on college. I’m the first in my family to go to college, so having LM counselors and Messiah staff guide me through the process has been really helpful.”
Jules Oberle (’25) has taken Educational Psychology with Messiah University and Health and Fitness with Millersville University:
“With Millersville, I enjoyed being in-person for my class and getting the experience of being on a college campus. Taking these courses while in high school is half the price of a regular college credit, so it’s a win-win. By graduation, I’ll have earned 20 college credits, which could help me graduate from college a semester or even a year early and save a lot of money in the long run.”
Through these partnerships, LM students are saving money, lightening their future college course loads, and gaining invaluable exposure to higher education expectations. Whether online or in-person, dual enrollment is shaping confident, prepared, and college-ready students at Lancaster Mennonite.
