Gross Catholic High School Pioneers Dux Esto College Academy

Posted October 17, 2025

Gross Catholic High School Launches Dux Esto College Academy in Partnership with Metropolitan Community College!

Gross Catholic High School is proud to announce the launch of the Dux Esto College Academy, an innovative dual enrollment program that allows high school students to earn an Associate of Liberal Arts degree while completing their high school education.

A Collaborative Effort

Developed over the past two years in partnership with Metropolitan Community College, the Dux Esto College Academy will begin in the 2026-2027 school year. Students apply to the Academy in January of their freshman year. Through a carefully designed curriculum, they will experience rigorous college-level coursework in a supportive, faith-based environment during their sophomore through senior years.

Building Confidence and Opening Doors

“This program is about more than earning college credit,” said Hana Abbott, Principal of Gross Catholic High School. “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.”

The Academy Advantage

The Academy offers numerous benefits, including:

  • A head start on college coursework and degree completion.
  • Development of strong time management and study skills in a structured environment.
  • Enhanced college and career readiness through academic rigor and mentorship.

Parental Enthusiasm

“Academically, this is such an exciting time to have a freshman student at Gross Catholic,” said Jennifer Tselentis, current parent. “The Dux Esto College Academy is a shining example of the growth in dual enrollment opportunities at Gross Catholic. With the depth of highly educated teachers required to teach dual enrolled classes, this Academy will provide the head start every parent wants for their child.”

A Transformative Opportunity

Overall, the Dux Esto College Academy at Gross Catholic High School represents a transformative opportunity for students to earn a significant head start on their college education while developing the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the future. By partnering with Metropolitan Community College, Gross Catholic is leading the way in empowering students to soar to new heights.

Contact Us

For more information about the Dux Esto College Academy or how to apply, visit our Admissions page or contact Ryan Larson, director of recruitment at larson@gcgmail.org or 402-734-2000.

Dux Esto College Academy


About Gross Catholic High School

Gross Catholic, a co-educational, college preparatory high school, began its proud heritage of academic excellence rooted in the Marianist tradition in 1968. We consider ourselves one of the best Catholic schools in Omaha, Bellevue, and Papillion. The school motto Dux Esto (“Be a Leader”) is at the core of its extraordinary mission, innovative spirit, and fundamental values. The school offers a challenging environment and outstanding quality of life, both in academics and co-curricular activities, with a strong focus on STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. The spirit of Christian service and giving back is part of everything the school does. Gross Catholic’s top-tier status is reflected in its talented faculty, staff, and coaches who take great pride in seeing virtually every graduate head to college, often to the most prestigious domestic and international universities and service academies. Together with families and alumni, Gross Catholic forges relationships for a lifetime, helping to ready the next generation to be exemplary, principled leaders of the world.

To discover the Gross Catholic difference, contact us at 402.734.2000 or visit our Admissions page.