University Partnerships and Programs

Father Judge High School offers students a variety of college coursework opportunities through our university partnerships and academic programs, allowing them to earn college credits before graduation. Through these pathways—including dual enrollment, visiting student programs, and associate’s degree options—students can experience the rigor of college-level learning while still in high school. These programs provide valuable academic advantages, positioning students for success in post-secondary education and future careers.

Completing college courses before graduation offers numerous benefits. Students gain exposure to advanced topics, strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By working on core coursework ahead of college, students can reduce their required courseload, allowing for a more flexible and enriched college experience. Early exposure to higher education also helps students discover new interests and career pathways, guiding them toward informed academic and professional decisions. Additionally, earning college credits in high school can lead to significant tuition savings by reducing the number of courses needed for a degree. Students who enter college with completed credits can register for advanced courses earlier, pursue dual majors, or even complete master’s programs in less time.

At Father Judge, we are committed to providing students with opportunities to excel beyond the traditional high school experience, ensuring they graduate with a strong academic foundation and a head start on their college journey.

Diocesan Scholar Program

The Office of Catholic Education, in cooperation with the eleven Catholic colleges/universities in the area, offers the opportunity for selected students to take two courses each semester of senior year on the campus of a nearby participating institute. Through this program and the classes taken, students earn college credit in addition to traditional high school credit weighted at the AP level. At the end of each semester, an official college transcript of credits and grades will be available to the student. The participating scholars will be guests of the college/university; no tuition will be assessed. Courses offered are designated by the participating college/university.

The top 30 juniors are invited to apply for the program in February/March each year. Student applicants should have a high GPA, teacher recommendations, and a composite PSAT/SAT score of 1000 or higher. A teacher selection committee will choose seven students from these top thirty students to be named Diocesan Scholars for the school year. The finalists’ names are sent to the Office of Catholic Education, which will review all applications and assign students to one of the associated colleges.

DeSales University Dual-Enrollment Program

DeSales Dual Enrollment courses allow motivated students to engage in college-level learning while earning both high school and college credits through DeSales University. These courses are equivalent in rigor to Advanced Placement (AP) courses and carry the same quality points. All DeSales courses at Father Judge are taught by FJHS faculty approved by DeSales University and serve as adjunct professors. Admission into DeSales courses is based on outstanding academic ability and performance, making them available only to students with the necessary qualifications. Upon graduation, students who pass a DeSales course with a C or higher will receive an official DeSales University transcript.

Additionally, students who earn qualifying grades may benefit from exemptions from introductory college courses and eligibility for college honors programs that recognize AP-level coursework. DeSales Dual Enrollment credits are widely accepted at various colleges and universities, giving students a valuable head start on their higher education journey. The current course offerings allow students to complete up to 30 college credits before graduation.

Current Course Offerings:

DeSales Precalculus
DeSales Calculus
DeSales Probability and Statistics
DeSales Composition and Rhetoric
DeSales Western Civilization
DeSales American Civilization
DeSales US Government
DeSales Theology
DeSales General Biology 1
DeSales Environmental Science

Holy Family University - Visiting Students Program

The Holy Family University Visiting Students Program offers Father Judge High School students the opportunity to take college courses directly through Holy Family University, either on campus or online. Unlike dual enrollment programs, these courses are independent of Father Judge's curriculum and do not appear on the high school transcript or factor into class rank or quality point calculations. This program is ideal for students who want to experience college coursework firsthand, explore academic interests beyond the high school level, and get a head start on their post-secondary education.

Eligible students may begin taking courses in the spring semester of their junior year, enrolling in a maximum of two courses per semester. Additionally, students have the option to earn up to 15 credits during the summer semester between their junior and senior years, allowing them to accumulate significant college credits, up to thirty-three credits, before graduating high school. Holy Family University professors teach these courses and follow the same rigorous standards as courses taken by full-time college students. Upon successful completion, students receive an official Holy Family University transcript, which may be transferable to other colleges and universities.

A key benefit of the program is its financial incentive for students who choose to attend Holy Family University after high school. Participants who maintain a 3.0 GPA in their Holy Family coursework will be eligible for up to $22,000 in scholarships if they enroll at Holy Family after graduation. This competitive academic opportunity allows students to experience the demands of college-level learning. It provides a cost-effective pathway to higher education, making it an excellent choice for motivated students looking to jump-start their college experience.

Holy Family University - Associates Degree Program

The Holy Family University Associate’s Degree Program is an accelerated academic opportunity that allows eligible Father Judge High School students to earn an Associate’s Degree from Holy Family University while simultaneously completing their high school diploma. This program is designed for high-achieving, motivated students who are committed to an advanced course of study and want to graduate with many college credits—potentially reducing the time and cost needed to complete a four-year degree.

Students enrolled in the Associate’s Degree Program take a structured sequence of college courses during their junior and senior years, completing the necessary credits to earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree by the time they graduate from Father Judge. Courses are taught by Holy Family University professors, either on campus or through approved dual enrollment classes at Father Judge. Admission to this program is highly selective, requiring strong academic performance, faculty recommendations, and demonstrated readiness for college-level coursework.

Upon successful completion, students receive a fully accredited Associate’s Degree from Holy Family University, providing a competitive edge in college admissions and potential cost savings by fulfilling general education requirements before entering a four-year university. Graduates of this program may choose to transfer directly into a bachelor’s degree program at Holy Family or apply their credits to other institutions. This unique partnership between Father Judge and Holy Family University provides students with a transformative academic experience, preparing them for college success and future career opportunities.