In the Spring of 2025, Bishop Kenny announced that it would partner with Barry University to  introduce a new dual enrollment course.

This program allows seniors to take two semester classes: Freedom and Virtue, and Catholic Social Teaching, in place of Religion 4.

This course is weighted for students’ GPAs the same as an AP course.

Dual enrollment classes are college-level courses taken by high school students, and the credits earned from these classes can be applied toward the high school diploma and college degree.

“We will have more of an opportunity to engage in sophisticated discussion,” teacher of the courses Dr. Parkison said. “And then also for students to think critically about the material.”

Dual enrollment allows students to connect with and understand topics on a deeper level, one they may not be familiar with, according to Parkison.

“I’m hoping to, in some students, open them to further study with theology because they have this initial experience of it that is positive,” Parkison said.

Some high school students may still be growing in their faith, and this class gives them the chance to learn about Catholic teaching in the broader context of the world.

“There is a depth to discussion and [hopefully] to what will be [the students’] writing and presentations that they did not necessarily associate with religion class,” Parkison said.