Gross Catholic High School Offers Associate Degree Program

The new Dux Esto College Academy allows students to earn an associate of liberal arts degree while completing high school.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School in Bellevue, Nebraska has launched a new dual enrollment program called the Dux Esto College Academy that allows students to earn an associate of liberal arts degree from Metropolitan Community College while completing their high school education. The program is one of the few of its kind in Nebraska and the first at a Catholic school in the state.

Why it matters

The Dux Esto College Academy provides Gross Catholic students an opportunity to get a head start on college by earning an associate degree concurrently with their high school diploma. This can save students time and money on their path to a bachelor's degree. The program also aims to build student confidence and prepare them for life beyond high school.

The details

The new program is open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at Gross Catholic. During their sophomore through senior years, accepted students will take college-level courses taught by Gross Catholic teachers with master's degrees. Twenty-six of the 101 freshmen, or 25% of the class, were accepted into the inaugural cohort, along with 19 sophomores who had taken the necessary prerequisite classes.

  • Gross Catholic launched the Dux Esto College Academy program in January 2026.
  • The first cohort of students accepted into the program are current freshmen and sophomores.

The players

Gross Catholic High School

A Catholic high school located in Bellevue, Nebraska that has launched a new dual enrollment program allowing students to earn an associate degree.

Metropolitan Community College

The community college partnering with Gross Catholic on the Dux Esto College Academy program to provide the college-level coursework.

Ryan Larson

The director of admissions at Gross Catholic High School.

Hana Abbott

The principal of Gross Catholic High School.

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What they’re saying

“This program is about more than earning college credit. It's about building confidence, opening doors and showing our students just how far they can go. The Dux Esto College Academy gives them the chance to rise to new challenges and truly prepare for life beyond high school.”

— Hana Abbott, Principal, Gross Catholic High School (catholicvoiceomaha.com)

“Through a carefully designed curriculum, students will experience rigorous college-level coursework in a supportive, faith-based environment during their sophomore through senior years.”

— Ryan Larson, Director of Admissions, Gross Catholic High School (catholicvoiceomaha.com)

What’s next

The first cohort of students accepted into the Dux Esto College Academy program will begin taking college-level courses at Gross Catholic during the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

The Dux Esto College Academy at Gross Catholic High School provides students a unique opportunity to earn an associate degree concurrently with their high school diploma, giving them a head start on their college education and preparing them for success beyond graduation.