FHU Adds Four New Schools to Dual Enrollment Program

In its continued effort to create an expanded community of Christian learning, Freed-Hardeman University has joined with four new partnering Christian high schools across Tennessee and Alabama. Ezell-Harding Christian School, Winchester Christian Academy, Mars Hill Bible School and Jefferson Christian Academy have joined FHU this academic year as new dual enrollment partners.

“I’m very excited to partner with each of these schools through FHU’s dual enrollment program,” Dr. Jared Gott, assistant dean of emerging and innovative programs, said. “Each of these schools has a special relationship with Freed-Hardeman University, and we look forward to watching these relationships grow even further.”

Ezell-Harding Christian School, located in Antioch, Tennessee, was one of FHU’s first dual enrollment partners when the program was in its earliest stages. Now, both schools are looking forward to working together once again. Approximately 18 EHCS students are enrolled in FHU classes, including English Composition I, American History I and college algebra, with plans to offer English Composition II and American History II in the spring.

“This partnership offers our students a valuable opportunity to begin their college journey while still in high school,” said Eric Carroll, guidance counselor for Ezell-Harding Christian School. “By enrolling in these courses, they can complete essential general education requirements ahead of time, all at no additional cost, thanks to the TN Dual Enrollment Grant. It’s a significant advantage that prepares them for the next step in their academic careers while easing the financial burden of higher education.”

Winchester Christian Academy, in Winchester, Tennessee, has been steadily adding grade levels and expanding its academic offerings over the past few years. This year, eight students from the school’s first junior class will take advantage of FHU English Composition I in the fall and English Composition II in the spring. They anticipate celebrating the graduation of their inaugural senior class in 2025-26.

Mars Hill Bible School, out of Florence, Alabama, has a long history of connections with Freed-Hardeman, and numerous MHBS alumni have made their way to FHU over the years. Now, the connections will extend to the high school as approximately 30 of their students will be taking General Biology II in the spring semester.

“We are very proud to enter into this agreement that we believe will be mutually beneficial,” Matt Burgess, academic dean for Mars Hill Bible School, said. “Through FHU, our students will network with a university that shares the same values of Christian education as we do at MHBS. We’re excited that the academic and technology aspects of the class will be student-centered. Our on-campus teacher, Scott Goodwin, has over 30 years of experience in education and we hope this partnership will continue to grow for years to come.”

Finally, Jefferson Christian Academy has a rich history with over 50 years of Christian education in Birmingham, Alabama. This fall, 23 of their students are enrolled in English Composition I and world literature through FHU, and there are plans to offer English Composition II as well as speech communication in the spring.

With the addition of these schools, FHU now partners with a total of 17 high schools in its dual enrollment program while also serving many homeschooled families through online dual enrollment courses. For more information about the program, please visit fhu.edu/admissions-aid/undergrad/dual-enrollment, or contact Dr. Chris Gann at cgann@fhu.edu.