Homeschooling offers families the flexibility to create individualized education experiences. Yet, many parents wonder how to give their teens a head start on college. Fortunately, Bottega University’s ADVANTEDGE program provides a powerful solution: earn college credit online while fulfilling high school requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore how this model works and why it’s a game-changer for homeschooling families.
Understanding advantEDGE: A Bridge Between High School and College
Combining dual enrollment with career-focused credentials
First, it’s essential to understand what the ADVANTEDGE initiative offers. Bottega University partners with homeschooling co‑ops, hybrid schools, and online platforms to deliver dual enrollment options. Through this program, students can earn up to 90 college credits applicable to both high school graduation and future college degrees.
Moreover, advantEDGE supports career-driven credentials including certificates, associate’s degrees, and transferable credits. In short, students gain both academic head start and practical skills that set them apart.
Why Earning College Credit Online Matters for Homeschoolers
Time, money, and readiness maximized
Homeschool families benefit from the program in several key ways:
- Save time: By completing college-level coursework during high school, students can reduce the duration of their postsecondary education.
- Reduce cost: College credits often come at a lower rate than traditional tuition, offering significant savings.
- Boost readiness: Exposure to college-level coursework builds confidence, study skills, and independence all of which ease the transition to full-time college.
Additionally, advantEDGE is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing teens to balance high school studies, hobbies, community activities, and family life without rigid semester schedules.
In-Depth Look: How ADVANTEDGE Works
Academic flexibility built on structure
Families engaging with ADVANTEDGE can expect a well-defined, yet flexible journey:
- Up to 90 college credits: Students can accumulate credits through certificates (like Full‑Stack Development), associate degrees, or directly transferable college courses.
- Asynchronous learning: Course content is delivered entirely online, so students access materials, projects, and quizzes at any time .
- Competency-based approach: Rather than traditional grading, students demonstrate mastery of skills through projects, assignments, and assessments. This ensures real-world knowledge and readiness.
- Personalized instructor support: Despite being online, learners benefit from individualized guidance advisors help pace coursework so it fits each student’s unique schedule .
In essence, ADVANTEDGE blends independent study with expert support and real credentialing.
Academic Programs & Transferability
Certificates, associate degrees and beyond
Bottega’s offerings ensure that homeschoolers have options tailored to their interests:
- Certificates: 18-credit programs like Full‑Stack Development prepare students for technical skills and portfolio creation.
- Associate degrees: Covering fields like Business, Computer Science, and Communication, these programs enable deeper exploration before earning a Bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer potential: Thanks to accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and partnerships with Sophia Learning, credits are transferable; others may accept up to 90 credits earned.
That means whether students want to earn a vocational credential or begin a traditional college pathway, advantEDGE supports their goals.
The Value of Competency‑Based, Project‑Driven Learning
Real skills for real futures
Bottega’s method emphasizes hands-on, skill-centric education:
- Competency-based structure: Advancement isn’t about hours logged, but demonstrated mastery students complete tangible tasks showing their real capabilities.
- Project-based coursework: Classroom learning blends with authentic projects from capstones to portfolio items boosting employability from the start .
- Expert faculty and advisors: Students receive mentorship and feedback, ensuring personalized success and accountability.
This combination ensures that homeschoolers are not only academically prepared, but technically adept and career-ready.
Success Stories & Recognition
Proven outcomes for confident futures
Bottega University is nationally accredited by DEAC and aligned with recognized bodies like ACE, CHEA, and NC-SARA. The University also collaborates with a range of higher education institutions, ensuring that credits are meaningful and transferable .
Moreover, implementation of innovative programs like coding access for high schools through Code Lab demonstrates Bottega’s commitment to closing the accessibility gap. These accomplishments provide homeschool families with confidence that their academic efforts will be valued by colleges and employers alike.
Getting Started with advantEDGE
Simple steps to unlock early college credit
To begin, homeschooling parents can:
- Explore partnership options: Bottega collaborates with homeschooling co‑ops and providers start by expressing interest via their ADVANTEDGE page.
- Plan a learning pathway: Discuss with an ADVANTEDGE advisor to align college-level coursework with academic goals and high school graduation requirements.
- Register and learn: Once admitted, students access courses online, complete competency‑based assignments, and accumulate college credit on their own schedule.
- Transfer and build upon success: With credits in hand, students can pursue associate degrees, full certificates, or transfer credits to four-year colleges, potentially finishing university sooner and at lower cost .
Empower Your Homeschooler’s Future
From home-based curriculum to college-level success
If you’re homeschooling a high schooler and ready to give them a competitive edge, Bottega University’s ADVANTEDGE program is a powerful pathway. It combines flexibility and affordability with meaningful college credit, skill development, and accreditation.
Ready to explore? Visit Bottega’s ADVANTEDGE page to learn more and schedule a call with an advisor who can tailor a dual-enrollment plan just for your teen.
