Experience College on Campus: How Concordia Academy Prepares High School Students for Success
Help Your Teen Get Ahead Without Missing Out
As a parent, you want your high schooler to be prepared for college. You’ve likely considered advanced courses, dual enrollment, or even full-time post-secondary enrollment options (PSEO). But a big concern lingers: How do you help your teen gain a head start in college without sacrificing the high school experience?
Many parents worry that sending their students to full-time PSEO means missing out on friendships, extracurricular activities, and faith-based learning during some of the most formative years of their lives. The transition to college can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want is for your student to lose the strong support system of their high school community.
At Concordia Academy, we believe high school students shouldn’t have to choose between academic advancement and a fulfilling high school experience. That’s why our private Christian high school in Roseville, MN, offers College on Campus, a program that allows students to take real college courses without ever leaving the supportive, Christ-centered environment of Concordia Academy.
College on Campus: The Best of Both Worlds
Through our partnership with Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), students at Concordia Academy can take college-level courses right on our campus. With rare exceptions, these are not online classes. They are taught in person by college professors who come to Concordia Academy to teach and CA faculty who serve as adjunct professors for CSP.
Unlike traditional PSEO programs, which often remove students from their high school environment, College on Campus integrates higher education into the Concordia Academy experience. This means that, unlike traditional PSEO, students don’t have to spend time on the road commuting to a college and can still participate in athletics, performing arts, chapel, student leadership, and all the social aspects that make high school meaningful.
Students earn real college credits while still in high school, giving them a significant advantage when they enter college. Many students can complete a full semester or even a year’s worth of college coursework before graduation.
Earning college credits early can help reduce tuition costs and lighten future course loads, allowing students to graduate faster and save thousands of dollars on their degrees. And the best part? There are no extra tuition costs for these additional classes at Concordia Academy.
Unlike full-time PSEO, which often pulls students away from their high school experience, College on Campus allows students to take challenging college courses while remaining fully involved in high school life.
Every course in our College on Campus program is aligned with a biblical worldview, and many of our college professors are Christian leaders in their fields. They not only challenge students academically but also encourage them to think deeply about their faith and how it applies to real-world topics.
For example, our math professors integrate faith into their teaching, helping students see how even subjects like probability and statistics reflect the order and design of God’s creation.
Personalized Support for Student Success
At Concordia Academy, we know that college-level coursework can be challenging. That’s why we provide one-on-one academic advising to help students choose the right courses and ensure they are set up for success.
Our small class sizes allow us to truly know each student and assess their readiness for college coursework. Professors are flexible and understanding of high school schedules, ensuring that students can balance homework and extracurriculars while keeping faith at the center of their daily lives.
This blend of challenge and support helps students build confidence, stay motivated, and thrive in both high school and college-level courses.
“We are in the thick of finals down here at Olaf right now, but I feel that CA prepared me very well for this,” said Ellie Burns, a 2024 Concordia Academy graduate who now attends St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. “The workload, curriculum, and expectations at CA all made me feel like I can handle finals here.”
At Concordia Academy, we’re not just preparing students for college — we’re helping them grow into lifelong learners and faith-filled leaders, ready to take on whatever comes next.
Ready to See our Private Christian High School for Yourself?
Visit Concordia Academy and experience College on Campus in action! Come tour our campus, meet our professors, and discover how we prepare students for college, career, and calling.