The Trailblazer Academy offers students who are in 7-12th grade the opportunity to take online college courses at Ohio Christian University through Dual Credit/Ohio College Credit Plus (CCP). What this means is that students can take online college courses while still in middle school or high school!
Is Ohio Christian University Accredited?
Yes. We are fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. View additional information about OCU's accreditation and recognition.
Are the courses taken at Ohio Christian University transferable?
Ohio Christian University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Board of Regents. Completed course work is fully transferable to other colleges and universities. The applicability of completed courses taken for a particular major will be determined by the school in which you transfer.
How long do the classes last?
On campus courses are 15 weeks in length. Online courses are usually either 8 or 15 weeks in length. All NEW students are required to engage in the ORT1000 Online Orientation course within the Brightspace Learning Management System. This orientation usually takes place the week prior to the start of the online semester, and is taken completely online.
How much does it cost?
100% state funding is available to Ohio public high school students. Partial state funding is available to Ohio private high school and home school students. Students who receive partial funding but enroll in more credits than awarded by the state, tuition is $166/credit hour. Significantly reduced tuition is available for homeschool, out of state and those students not using state funding. Tuition is $166/credit hour. Self-Pay students will be responsible for tuition and book costs and fees.
How many courses can I take?
Qualifying students may take up to 30 credit hours in a year as a full time student. If a student is taking any courses at their high school, the number of college semester hours allowed are reduced based on how many courses they are taking at the high school.
What courses should I take?
It is important for you to plan your course work carefully with your high school counselor, especially if you are using a college course as credit for both high school and college credit. Courses should be chosen that will further your educational and career objectives. It is not unusual for high school students to change or be unsettled in their educational or career objectives. Therefore, there is wisdom in taking classes that will meet the general education requirements at most colleges or universities.
Will the courses taken at OCU be included in my high school grade point average?
Your high school or school board will determine whether, and the manner in which, grades will be included in their students' grade point averages. Typically, if you are taking courses under Option B, your college grades will be included in your grade point averages.
What is the relationship between the high school Carnegie Unit and a College Credit?
"How Do College Courses Earn Me High School Credit?"
From the ODE Website: "College Credit Plus allows high school students to earn college credit and apply that credit toward their high school graduation requirements. Successful completion of a three or more credit-hour college course will result in 1.0 Carnegie unit earned at the high school. A two credit-hour college course will earn students 2/3 of a high school credit and a one credit-hour college course will convert to 1/3 of a high school credit" (Source: www.ohiohighered.org/ccp)
Can I take evening classes?
Yes. Students may take day or evening classes if available in our Traditional Undergraduate Program (excludes our Adult and Graduate Studies courses).
Will the college send progress and attendance reports to the high school on a periodic basis?
An enrollment notification will be sent to the high school two weeks prior to courses beginning. A progress report will only be sent to the high school if a student is failing a course at midterm. Students have the ability to monitor their own progress through the available resources provided. Transcripts and grade alerts will be sent to the high school after each semester.
What are the consequences of withdrawing from a college course?
Withdrawing from a college course after the course has begun may affect the completion of graduation requirements and should be discussed with your high school counselor and parents, or guardian. A high school official, parent (or guardian) and Trailblazer Academy representative must sign the Change of Schedule form indicating their awareness of the students intent to drop before the college will process a withdrawal. If under State Funding, the cost paid for you by the state will be recovered by the high school from you or your parents (guardian) depending on your school or school board policy and practice. The amount of financial liability is determined by the date you withdraw from the class.
If a student fails a college course, who pays for the course?
Students participating in the College Credit Plus Program, together with their parents, must be aware of the social and academic consequences of participation. Students who fail a class will be required by their high school district, community school or nonpublic institution to pay for the failed class. You should contact your high school counselor about your district's policy.
Can a student repeat a failed class under this program?
According to College Credit Plus ruling if a student fails coursework, and they are placed on probationary status, the student cannot retake course work in which they received a D or F while the student remains on probation. Once the student has improved their GPA to a 2.0, the student may request the secondary school to appeal for the student to be allowed to retake the course.
If the student is placed on Academic Suspension, the student may not enroll in course work for the following college term. The student may then submit a request to the secondary school to determine whether the student may continue on dismissal, appeal to the University for reenrollment to the program either under probationary status, or without restrictions.
May a high school student participate in any college activities?
In general, no, since students participating in the Trailblazer Academy program are high school students. If there is an activity or college group/organization you are interested in, it is best to first speak with your family and second with Ohio Christian University's student development office.
Do the online classes meet at a scheduled time?
No. While there are deadlines for weekly assignments, there are no scheduled class times. You may log on for the discussions at any time as long as you complete the work assigned by the scheduled due date. So, you may log in at 6am or 6pm to do your work. It's totally up to you!
How do I communicate with my online professor?
Professors provide multiple forms of contact for the students, and often communicate through discussion forums and email.
How do I get started?
Fill out the online application on the website at OCU's Fast Application
How do I receive textbooks for my courses? Do I need to return them?
Main Campus Students: Textbooks will be available in the Connections Bookstore, located in the Dean and Diana Hickman Student Center, for any course taken on the university campus. To obtain your books, bring your schedule to the front desk in the bookstore and let them know you are a Trailblazer Academy student.
Online Students: Textbooks may be provided in either a physical, online, or e-text format, depending upon the course. If there is a physical textbook, Slingshot (formerly: Tree of Life Books) will deliver the textbooks students need to their doorstep prior to the class start date. Therefore, if students have an address change, a unique shipping address or need to withdraw from the course, they must notify OCU at least 30 days before the class is scheduled to begin. For e-text delivery, access would originate via your Campus Store (see weblink below). For courses requiring an e-code, your professor will provide the information once your course has begun. For courses with free online materials, the links for the texts will be embedded in your syllabus information.
For information on how the textbook for your course will be delivered, contact your Trailblazer Academy Advisor.
Courses delivered at High Schools: Your high school will provide your course materials.
For complete OCU Textbook Information, and Return Policy/Procedures, go to the following link and scroll down to “Trailblazer Academy”.
