Breaking Barriers: Only One In Town
Many high school students focus on selecting classes that will make them stand out and streamline their upcoming college experience. Hackett prides itself in offering nine advanced placement classes and two dual enrollment through Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. These classes are developed to challenge students and yield successful results.
After two years of planning and coordinating, English 1050 was freshly made available to Hackett students this past fall through Western Michigan University. This class focuses on writing communication skills and information literacy. The second semester moves on to English 1060, which centers on writing, research, and inquiry. Both of these courses are taught by Dr. Hart-Jansma, who previously taught at WMU while getting her masters and later moved to teaching at Vanderbilt University. She eventually earned her PhD in literature at Ohio State University.
Dr. Hart-Jansma spoke about the triumph she feels has come out of her class, saying, “This class is taught by Hackett faculty and offers students a one-of-a-kind opportunity that no other Kalamazoo School can provide.” This course is offered in-person at school and can grant six credits that are transferable to any college in the nation. She expressed the importance of having the opportunity to take a dual enrollment course, as it offers not only learning at the college level, but also helps students develop time management skills.
This new addition at Hackett has made it one-of-a-kind in the Kalamazoo School District. After asking student Isabella Hentz what she thinks about the outcome of the class she said, “I find it beneficial for those going off to college because it can potentially save money and time by completing these credits now.” This is something that each school should offer, but does not, making Hackett stand out.
If you choose to go to Western Michigan University each credit hour is worth $630 making the total of the six credits $3780. Furthermore, Hope College charges 1,100 with a grand final of 6,600 for two semesters. The ability to take these credits at Hackett results in thousands of dollars being saved for students!
Additionally, looking into Fall 2025 WMU will be offering Creative Writing along with Drama. Opening up these classes can help students decide their future careers. Continued success will hopefully offer new classes to be opened in different departments throughout Hackett.
