One of the amazing programs that the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board offers to students is the Dual Credit program. Dual Credit is a course where students receive a college and high school credit at the same time and is taught by college faculty and supported by a high school teacher.

Students who take the course are able to explore options for their future after secondary school. We are happy to showcase some of the success stories that are a result of the Dual Credit program.

Brandon Reid, a Grade 12 student at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie, was finding high school boring and uninteresting with the exception of his construction tech courses. He was constantly late and was soon failing courses and falling behind.  With no options left to graduate on time, Brandon hesitantly signed up for the School Within a College (SWAC) program. He soon realized that the program was a perfect fit for him - later start time, new learning environment and flexible schedule.

Now excelling in his courses with marks in the 80’s, Brandon will be completing an incredible eight credits this semester in order to graduate this year. With a passion for the trades, he has registered for courses in carpentry, cabinetmaking and manufacturing and electrical. He can now see a future for himself in the trade industry and sees college as a viable option.

Brandon credits the dual credit and SWAC program to getting him back on track. One of his teachers says, “If he hadn’t come to SWAC he wouldn’t be continuing with his education next year. Now he’s planning to do something that he’s really excited about.”

To learn more about the program visit the dual credit webpage on the board website.