High school students, college-level classes
By ROBERT LINNEHAN
The Cherry Hill Sun
5/9/2009

Cherry Hill high school students will have an opportunity for a unique college experience next year without the hassle of moving into a noisy dorm or leaving the comfort of their parents’ homes.

School district representatives and Rowan University officials signed an agreement April 28 to establish a dual-credit program that will allow Cherry Hill high school students to obtain college credit by taking specialized Rowan University courses online.

Rowan University Provost Ali Houshmand and Board of Education member Kenneth Hartman crafted the program.

The partnership will offer online courses at a discounted cost of $250 per credit.

“This initiative provides high-achieving students the ability to get even more of a head start on their college education beyond their high school advanced placement classes,” Rowan President Donald Farish said. “It allows them to enter college with the ability to take upper-level math, science and technology courses earlier in their academic careers, which, in turn, allows them to graduate earlier.”

If a student receives a “B” in the course and chooses to attend Rowan University after graduation, the student will receive college credit and will be reimbursed for the course fee in the form of a scholarship.

If a student decides to attend another university, the credits will likely transfer, according to Jim Riordan, director of guidance for Cherry Hill schools.

It’s an interesting program, Reardon said, but not necessarily a new one in the district.

The district has been offering college courses online for several years, he said, but has never partnered exclusively with a higher learning institution and offered decreased credit costs.

“It’s a win win. I’ve never heard of a program that gives reduced fees for Rowan credit, but to also reimburse the fees, I can’t think of how we can’t benefit in any way shape or form,” Riordan said. “This isn’t a money making thing for Rowan.

“It’s a good recruitment method for them, looking for top students.”

The program will likely begin next fall and will initially focus on upper-level math and science courses, Riordan said.

The courses offered are typically classes that second- or third-year students in the university would enroll in, Reardon said.

It was felt there would be enough students in both high schools looking to challenge themselves with these higher courses, he said.

The program demonstrates the district’s commitment to enhance educational opportunities.

“We’re always seeking ways to broaden opportunities for our students,” Superintendent David Campbell said. “We think it will be very appealing in that it gives students an opportunity to accelerate academically through offerings at a nationally recognized institution. And, frankly, the scholarship component will be a strong draw.”

A letter will be sent to all high school students in the near future, Riordan said, giving more details on the program and how students can enroll.

This will serve as a blueprint for other school districts Rowan partners with in the future, Farish said.

The university will look to expand its online course offerings to other school districts in the state.

“Rowan is an institution they’re familiar with and one that is recognized nationally for its offerings,” Farish said. “This partnership will no doubt become a national