FAQ | Michigan Jewish Institute

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What are the benefits of a high school student enrolling in a MJI course?

A: Some of the benefits include:

You will have the opportunity to take interesting and relevant Judaic courses not usually offered at your home school.
It will help enhance your academic portfolio for the college application process, since enrolling in a college course while still in high school shows that you are willing to take on a more rigorous academic schedule.
Many of our students have successfully transferred their MJI credits to other Universities. Upon being accepted to a college you will need to have your MJI transcript forwarded to the appropriate University, for credit evaluation. If you are transferring a Hebrew class, you might be asked to take the school’s language placement test prior to any formal decision regarding language placement/course credit.
High school students are often able to earn high school credit for taking an MJI course.
The experience will provide you with stimulating classroom discussions from a Jewish perspective, and more in depth information than you would normally experience from a public or religious school class.
The on-line learning component of the course is valued by both the State of Michigan and Universities.
Classes at MJI are more reasonably priced compared to other local four year institutions.
Small classes provide more time for assistance from the instructor.
The courses we offer for high school enrollment are scheduled around most public school calendars and the Jewish Holidays.
You will have the chance to meet other Jewish youth who are also interested in increasing their Judaic education.

Q: What is Dual Enrollment?

A: *The post secondary Enrollment Options Act 160 of 1996 states that public high schools may provide full or partial payment for a course offered at an accredited institution that is not offered at the home high school (the amount paid is based on the school’s state aid foundation grant).

Important info to know:

In order for a college course to be eligible for dual enrollment funding, the class must not be offered at the home high school.
If an MJI course is approved for dual enrollment, then the student will earn high school credit upon completion of the course.
Dual enrollment funds are only available to public high school students, and usually limited to Junior and Seniors.
Students must not be enrolled at the High School with a “full” schedule or the school will not cover the MJI course. In other words, the student must drop one elective from the High School schedule in order to substitute the MJI course (for payment).
Students must have taken the PSAT, MEAP or some other type of standardized test prior to being eligible for dual enrollment money.
The School District might not pay the entire amount of the course (and the family would be responsible for the remaining portion).
The student must obtain a payment voucher form from the High School, have it completed and turned in to MJI (the school district does not do this for the student).
The student needs to complete all the steps (forms) outlined under “Enrollment Check-list”.
Sometimes the school district won’t determine the amount to be paid for the course, until the end of the semester. Also, the amount paid may differ between semesters/years.

Q: Why is dual enrollment a popular option for Juniors and Seniors?

A: It allows the student to take a class they truly want, even though it’s not offered at their high school, while also providing high school credit (and is calculated into the GPA); appears on the high school transcript; and the school district pays a portion of the tuition. It also shows that the student is motivated to learn and willing to take on a rigorous academic schedule, thus enhancing one’s academic portfolio for the college application process.

Q: What if my school will not pay for dual enrollment?

A: The student may still register as a “guest high school student”. Most of the same procedures/paperwork will need to be completed as is done for the dual enrollment student, including obtaining a counselor’s permission to enroll. The student’s family will be responsible for either paying full tuition or applying for a scholarship to reduce the cost of the course.

Q: Why would I want to take a course at MJI if my school will not provide dual enrollment funding?

A: You would still obtain many of the benefits of enrolling in an MJI course (see above), including; enhancing your academic portfolio for the college application process since all colleges recognize what a significant achievement it is to complete a college course while in high school; earning college credit while enrolled in high school; and having the opportunity to further develop your Judaic education.

Q: Where do classes meet?

A: Classes are currently scheduled to meet at The Shul building on MJI’s campus in West Bloomfield. Occasionally, additional class sections are scheduled at other learning sites.

Q: How much do MJI classes cost?

A: High school students pay a lower tuition rate at MJI than the traditional college student. We are offering our 3 credit courses to high school students for $575. If you receive a scholarship or dual enrollment funding, then the cost to your family will be reduced accordingly.

Q: How do I apply for classes?

A: First you need to meet with your high school counselor/school before enrolling in an MJI course. You need to obtain written permission from your counselor/school representative (the signature is required on the admission and schedule forms). This is done to verify that your enrollment at MJI is an appropriate academic option for you.

______Complete the on-line “Application” form (please remember to print a copy of the completed application prior to submitting it).

_______Complete the "Registration and Authorization Form” (must obtain a
signature from high school counselor/school official).

______If planning to dual enroll -- Obtain and complete own school
district’s paperwork -- including payment voucher (often found on
their website and/or from school counseling office).

*MJI will bill school district only after receiving this paperwork.

*There is no guarantee of the amount the school district will cover
(sometimes it is not determined until the course semester is
completed); student’s family is responsible for any remaining
portion and cost for texts/supplies.

______Important to follow-up with MJI office to make sure all paperwork
is received for registration.

______At conclusion of semester make sure the home high school has
received all paperwork/grades.

Q: Are students from private schools also able to enroll at MJI?

A: All high school students are eligible to enroll at MJI (however only the public school students are eligible for dual enrollment funding). Any high school student who enrolls without the dual enrollment funding is eligible to apply for a partial scholarship to help defray the cost.

Q: I am enrolled at the Frankel Jewish Academy and was wondering if there would be any courses available for me to take?

A: Yes, we have many excellent choices available to enhance your high school learning experience while earning college credits. Please feel free to review our course catalog and/or contact one of our advisors. The American Jewish Experience is an example of a course to possibly consider.

Q: How do I transfer credits to the college I will attend?

A: Upon being accepted to a college you will need to have your MJI transcript forwarded to the appropriate University, for credit evaluation. The University might also request a copy of the official course description (found in the MJI Course Catalog). If you received high school credit for the course, you might also need a letter from your high school counselor explaining whether or not the class was taken as an elective or a required course. If you are transferring a Hebrew class, you might be asked to take the school’s language placement test prior to any formal decision regarding language placement/course credit.

Q: When do classes start for winter 2010?

A: Classes begin Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Casses will meet from 6:40 p.m. – 8:50 p.m. and will also require the student to participate for an additional hour in an on-line experience (in most cases the student will be able to log-on at their own convenience each week). The classes are for 3 credits.

Q: What classes are being offered for the 2009-2010 calendar year?

A: We are currently offering : HUM 120 Elementary Modern Hebrew II; HUM 242 Intermediate Modern Hebrew II; HIS 140 Encountering Jewish Civilization I; HIS 261 Exploring the Holocaust I; HIS 262 Exploring the Holocaust II; and EPH Ethics and Society.