Knightly News

As a college preparatory school, it is no surprise that Episcopal School of Baton Rouge offers a variety of courses for students ready to learn at a higher level. From Honors and seminar courses to AP and dual enrollment offerings, students have much from which to choose. How do they decide what option is best? Here’s a look at the benefits of AP and dual enrollment courses.

Advanced Placement Courses

The not-for-profit organization known as the College Board governs the Advanced Placement program. According to the organization’s website, “AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they’re still in high school.” Episcopal currently offers 21 AP exams, including topics such as AP Calculus, AP Microeconomics and AP Music Theory.

There is thought and intention regarding the AP courses that are offered at Episcopal. “When thinking about AP offerings, we look for the courses that best suit the needs of our students as far as learning goals and college preparation,” says College Counseling Director Justin Fenske. “The goal is to provide students the best learning experience possible whether that is through an Episcopal course such as the thesis program or through an AP course.” Assistant Head of School for Academics Dr. Sara Fenske says there is a balance that must be struck when it comes to planning a student’s academic course load. “We want to challenge students appropriately,” she says. “We want to challenge them academically but at a level where they are capable of seeing success.” Justin Fenkse says if students are prepared to succeed in an advanced course, there are numerous reasons to choose AP, including the following. 

1.       A gauge for future success

Across the country, colleges and universities acknowledge and agree on the merits of AP courses. Justin Fenske says the courses are a reliable external measure that is understood by everyone as a way to determine a student’s readiness for college success. Typically, Episcopal students perform very well on AP exams. This sustained success boosts Episcopal’s reputation among universities which in turn reinforces the strength of an Episcopal student’s application.  

2.       Demonstrates openness to challenges

By design, AP courses are challenging. College admission representatives want to know that high school seniors are prepared for the work they will face at the university level. There are many ways to demonstrate that through Episcopal’s college preparatory program, but successfully completing an AP course is one way to demonstrate that preparation. Dr. Fenske points out that Episcopal faculty work hard to prepare students and there is vertical alignment between courses to make the progression easier.

3.       Earn college credit

Scoring well on an AP exam may mean earning college credit while still in Upper School, thus saving students time and money at university.  While not all universities award credit hours for completed AP work, representatives at the more competitive universities expect to see successful AP coursework listed on the admission application.

4.       The pursuit of knowledge

“It’s about growth,” says Justin Fenske. Ultimately, completing an AP course is about student development. Fenske says students at a college preparatory school, like Episcopal, should be pursuing more ambitious and challenging experiences to fully prepare them for the next step in their educational journey. AP coursework is often that next step.

As far as the drawbacks of AP coursework, Justin Fenske says students may experience difficulties if they take a course before they are ready. Faculty and college counselors help students avoid this pitfall by advising thoughtful selections for course enrollment. 

Dual Enrollment

According to the Louisiana Department of Education, “Dual enrollment is the simultaneous enrollment of a student at both high school and college in which the student receives credit on both their high school and college transcripts for the same course.” Episcopal currently offers three semesters of dual enrollment over two classes. Dr. Fenske highlights the benefits of Episcopal’s offerings.

1.       Earn college credit

Episcopal’s dual enrollment courses are provided in partnership with Louisiana State University. This partnership means that students who plan to attend LSU or other regional universities will likely have their course credits accepted. Justin Fenske cautions that one of the drawbacks of dual enrollment is that the grade earned in the course becomes part of the college transcript. A poor grade could start the student on the wrong foot before they’ve even entered a university classroom.

2.       Practice being a college student

Dual enrollment courses provide students a true taste of what life as an LSU student is like without the pressure and pace of an AP course. Dr. Fenske says the courses follow the same pace and style as those offered at the university. However, the Episcopal student has the benefit of a small class size and the support of the Upper School teacher. In addition, dual enrollment courses are also significantly less expensive than an actual university course.

As a college preparatory school, Episcopal offers an impressive catalog of courses to help students prepare for the next step in their educational journey. Faculty and staff are skilled at helping students navigate these courses while ensuring that students get the most out of the Upper School experience. Students are given a choice that corresponds to their long-term goals and encouraged to grow academically, artistically, athletically and spiritually. It’s what makes Episcopal a special place to learn!

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.