Homeschool benefits and savings in Westfield
Westfield State University lets homeschooled students in grades 9-12 take one college course a semester at its High School Scholar Rate, listed at $939 for a 3-credit course or $1,252 for a 4-credit course, compared with a standard $388 per credit. Massachusetts homeschoolers taking their first dual enrollment course may also get a Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP) grant that covers all or part of the cost.
Who qualifies
Is in grades 9-12
Individual dual enrollment is open to students in grades 9 through 12 from public, private, or home schools who meet the course requirements, if space is available.
Massachusetts homeschooler for CDEP
A CDEP grant requires enrollment in a Massachusetts public, private, or home school, Massachusetts residency, and no GED or diploma yet.
Taking a first dual enrollment course
CDEP funding is for students taking their first dual enrollment course in Massachusetts who are first-generation college students, economically disadvantaged, or interested in STEM.
Files a FERPA release
Students under 18 must submit a FERPA Release Form, the federal student privacy consent, or a hold stays on their account.
What it is worth
Westfield State lists its High School Scholar Rate, which it labels tuition and fees waived, and a standard undergraduate rate of $388 per credit effective fall 2026.
- 3-credit course, High School Scholar Rate
- $939
- 4-credit course, High School Scholar Rate
- $1,252
- 3-credit course at $388 per credit
- $1,164
- 4-credit course at $388 per credit
- $1,552
- CDEP grant for eligible students
- All or part
The page does not say plainly whether the $939 is what you pay or what is waived, so ask the dual enrollment office what your family will owe after any CDEP grant.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you apply
Plan the course
Westfield asks students to talk with their high school counselor first; as a homeschool parent, ask the dual enrollment office who should fill that role.
- When applications open
Apply with three choices
Submit the Dual Enrollment Application listing your top three courses. The application was closed when checked on October 12, 2026.
- After review
Pick one course
The Early College Access Advisor tells you which course is available and helps you choose the one course for the semester.
- Before classes
Register and file the FERPA form
Complete the online registration form and FERPA release, then watch for the welcome orientation email with portal and course details.
What it pays for
Covered
- One college course a semester
- Fall, spring, and summer sessions
- Online, in-person, and hybrid formats
Not covered
- Federal financial aid for students under 18 without a diploma
- CDEP grants in Summer II
- Guaranteed CDEP funding
CDEP grants depend on available space and state funding, so meeting the requirements does not guarantee a grant.
Good to know
A CDEP grant can make a course free
Westfield says the grant may cover all or part of the course costs for eligible students, and the state's CDEP program says students do not pay tuition or fees for courses taken through CDEP.
Who to contact
The dual enrollment office in Lifelong Learning and Special Programs answers questions about applications, costs, and CDEP grants.
dualenrollment@westfield.ma.edu 413-572-5300 Dual enrollment page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Massachusetts
Obtain approval of your home education plan from the resident district before instruction begins or withdrawing a child of compulsory school age. Renewal and reporting follow the district’s homeschool policy.
Massachusetts sets these rules:
- Subjects: The approved plan must provide instruction in the studies required by law, equal in thoroughness, efficiency, and progress to the local public schools. Districts review content, materials, instructional time, methods, and evaluation.
- Testing: Assessment methods and reporting follow the locally approved plan. Massachusetts does not impose one statewide annual standardized-test requirement.
- Records: Keep the progress evidence and reports required by your approved district plan; the state does not prescribe a single homeschool portfolio format.
- Teachers: State educator-licensing requirements for public schools do not apply to home instruction.
Read the Massachusetts homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Massachusetts
Questions parents ask
- Does my homeschooler qualify for CDEP?
- Yes, if your student lives in Massachusetts, has no GED or diploma, is taking a first dual enrollment course in the state, and is first-generation, economically disadvantaged, or interested in STEM.
- Can we use federal financial aid?
- No. Students under 18 without a high school diploma or GED cannot access financial aid.
- Will I be able to see my child's college records?
- Yes, until your child turns 18. The FERPA release lets Westfield State share enrollment and coursework information with the parent or guardian named on the form.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
College classes can cover part of high school. We teach the subjects your child needs alongside them, starting at the right level in each subject.
$149/month per child after the trial.
Find benefits for your ZIP code