The start of the fall 2007 semester
at Bucks welcomed more than the
usual waves of incoming freshmen
and returning students; accompanying
them were several high
school students getting a head start
on their college credits.
Certain Bucks courses are available
to high school students who
meet academic standards. This
provides them with credits that are
transferable to colleges after graduation.
“I took all my classes here at
Bucks during my senior year,” said
Robert McGuckin, a 18-year-old
business major. “I’m a professional
dancer and travel a lot for work.
I’m taking online classes at Bucks
this year, and adding to my record
from last year.”
“At Bucks.we welcome high
school students into our classes;
beginning college while still in
high school,” explained Elizabeth
Kulick, assistant dean of special
admissions. “The purpose is to
allow advanced high school seniors
who have completed the
majority of their high school
requirements the opportunity to
challenge themselves and start college
early. Astudent can graduate
high school and complete their
freshman year of college at the
same time.”
For high school students to attend
classes at Bucks, students must be
in good standing both in their academic
records and achievements
and must have the approval from
their school’s administration. In
addition, students must also complete
certain academic requirements
to graduate, including four
years of physical education.
“Last year at the high school, I
was forced to choose between three
classes I just didn’t enjoy,” said
Michele Lestochi, a 17-year-old
Neshaminy student. “But this year
at Bucks, I only have to choose one
gym class per semester that I know
I will enjoy.”
Along with the physical education
requirement, Neshaminy high
school requires four years of English
and social studies classes, and
three years of math and science. If
these have not been met already,
they will have to be taken by the student
at Bucks.
Neshaminy student Amy Clark,
17, said, “With this opportunity, I
can take my major courses here at
Bucks while going back to the high
school to enjoy my other minor
electives.”
While this program may seem
very appealing, few seniors take
advantage of the opportunity; the
option of commuting between
schools is not widely known
among the student body.
“If I had known about this option,
there is no doubt I would have chosen
to do that,” said freshman and
former Neshaminy student Scott
Blaydon. “I hated high school so
much. I was so unhappy there, and
being away from it now is such a
relief. I really wish I had had this
option.I can’t see any negatives.”
This option may interest students
for many reasons. Some want to
escape the restrictive requirements
associated with the public school
system, while others may seek a
more rigorous curriculum.
Students in the program are not
forced to abandon their high
school privileges. They may still
participate in high school sports,
extra-curricular activities, attend
the Senior Prom and walk at graduation
if they choose.
For more information, contact
Kulick at (215) 968-8123.