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We are pleased to introduce the Glenbard College Core, a new dual credit program designed to provide students with an exceptional opportunity to earn up to 15 hours of highly-transferable college credit for general education courses. This program allows students to begin their higher education journey at no additional cost, right here at their Glenbard high school. Click here for a quick overview of the program.

What is Dual Credit?

Dual credit courses are college-level classes taught by our own Glenbard teachers who are also adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage (COD). These courses are taught at the high school during the normal schedule. Students will enroll in the course at their high school and, upon successful completion, will receive credit toward both their high school graduation and college credit from the College of DuPage. These credits are then transferable to many colleges across the country. Click here for more information about the College of DuPage Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Programs.

The curriculum, instructional resources and final exams for these courses are created in collaboration with the College of DuPage to ensure they meet the same rigorous standards as on-campus college classes. Glenbard dual credit teachers are also adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage and must hold a master’s degree and specific credentials in the subject area, as approved by the College of DuPage. Students must earn an A, B or C in the course in order to earn dual credit. Watch this video from the College of DuPage for more information about how dual credit works.

Key Advantages of the Glenbard College Core

Research shows that students who participate in dual credit programs are more likely to attend college and “more likely to be successful in college, including completing a bachelor’s degree in a more timely manner.”* The Glenbard College Core gives our students an unparalleled advantage: they experience the rigor of college courses and earn college credit, while still experiencing the support that high school has to offer. 

• Unlike large lectures at a college campus, our dual credit courses feature smaller class sizes and more direct interaction with teachers.
• Students benefit from all of our resources, including Glenbard Hour, math and writing support centers, and strong communication between teachers and families.  
• Students who currently receive accommodations through an IEP, ML or 504 will still benefit from these supports in Glenbard dual credit courses, while in college this may be different. 
• These resources provide a familiar safety net as they tackle college-level material, preparing them for the rigors of higher education. 
• Taking dual credit courses helps students begin their transition to college early. 
• Dual credit courses can help minimize the duplication of courses students may need to take in high school and college. 
• All dual credit courses earn an honors grade weight for that course at Glenbard. 
• Dual credit courses are an advantage for students when applying for college, as it demonstrates the student’s college readiness and commitment to education.

   
Advantages in College and Beyond

The Glenbard College Core can provide several advantages for student’s future college plans. Earning early college credit opens doors for many possible opportunities in college. 

Academic Head Start

• Build confidence and independence by experiencing the rigor of college-level academics.
• Strengthen critical thinking, time management, and study skills.
• Starting college with 15+ credits may allow students to register for college classes earlier and enjoy other perks for upperclass students.
• Explore new areas of interest in college without delaying college graduation.

Flexibility & Exploration

• Pursue additional electives, minors, double minors, or even a double major.
• Have time in the college schedule to study abroad.
• Graduate earlier and save on tuition costs.
• Balance the college course load, freeing up time to participate in athletics, clubs, internships, or part-time work.

Dual Credit is Free for Glenbard Students

There are no additional fees to enroll in the Glenbard College Core courses, and Glenbard provides all of the necessary textbooks and instructional materials. This means students can earn valuable college credit that reduces the financial burden of higher education with no additional costs. This is a key difference from our Advanced Placement (AP) program. While Glenbard covers the cost for a student’s first AP exam each school year, families are responsible for paying the fee for any additional AP exams their student chooses to take. With dual credit courses, all additional costs are covered. 

Students can earn valuable college credit with no additional enrollment fees or material costs. The same 15 hours of college credit would typically cost $2,340 at the College of DuPage, representing a significant financial savings for Glenbard families. Glenbard College Core allows students to get a head start on their college degree without the associated cost. This is a significant part of our commitment to ensuring that all Glenbard students have access to opportunities that prepare them for a successful future.

Glenbard College Core Courses

For the 2026-2027 school year, Glenbard is offering five Glenbard College Core courses. Incoming freshmen and rising sophomores should consider leaving room in their schedule so they can take these courses when they are juniors (DC Speech, DC World Music) or seniors (DC English 1101 & 1102, DC American Politics). 

Glenbard College Core for Juniors and Seniors:

• Dual Credit Fundamentals of Speech Communication 1100
• Dual Credit Intro to World Music 1115 **

Glenbard College Core for Seniors:

• Dual Credit English Composition 1101 
• Dual Credit English Composition 1102
• Dual Credit American Politics 1101/AP US Government **

** Pending approval by the Board of Education, Nov. 2025

* Source: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/DualCreditTexasReport.pdf