At O’Dea, we are committed to serving students across the academic continuum through pathways that are both challenging and accessible.

The Matteo Ricci Program reflects our belief that college-level learning should not be reserved for only a small group of students. By expanding opportunities for dual enrollment, we are creating more pathways for students to engage in advanced coursework, experience the expectations of college academics, and build confidence as scholars.

Our goal is simple: provide every student with opportunities to pursue meaningful academic challenge while receiving the support necessary to succeed.

Through this partnership, O’Dea students can earn up to 30 quarter college credits that appear on an official Seattle University transcript while remaining fully engaged in the O’Dea experience.

Matteo Ricci courses are taught by O’Dea faculty members who work in collaboration with Seattle University faculty to ensure academic quality and alignment with university standards.

Students benefit from:

• College-level expectations within the supportive environment of O’Dea
• Direct access to university-approved curriculum
• Instruction from teachers who know their strengths, needs, and goals
• Authentic college credit earned through coursework rather than a single examination
• A seamless transition to future college and university studies

This model allows teachers to focus on deep learning, critical thinking, discussion, writing, and real-world application.

O’Dea is proud to be the first area high school to offer Seattle University STEM College-in-the-Classroom credits through Calculus I and Calculus II, expanding opportunities for students interested in advanced mathematics and STEM fields.

Current Matteo Ricci course offerings include:

• Difference, Power, and Social Change
• Composition: Language and Thought
• Storytelling Across Cultures

• Calculus I
• Calculus II

• Spanish Language II

The purpose of college-level coursework at O’Dea extends beyond earning credits.

These experiences help students develop the habits of mind that will serve them long after graduation: intellectual curiosity, disciplined study, effective communication, critical thinking, perseverance, and confidence.

In the tradition of Edmund Rice, we believe academic excellence and personal formation go hand in hand. The Matteo Ricci Program challenges students to pursue excellence while becoming thoughtful leaders, engaged citizens, and men committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

Interested in exploring dual enrollment opportunities through Seattle University’s Matteo Ricci Institute?

Visit the https://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/departments/matteo-ricci/ to learn more about the partnership and available college credit opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for applying for credits from SU?
In the fall, we will send notice to families and students with a link to register and pay for credits from SU. SU is firm on their policy that you need to decide early in the process on whether or not you want to purchase credits. Students must earn a 70% or higher to earn credits from SU. Student SU transcripts will be available in August following completion of the course. Transcripts can be ordered from the SU website, through the National Clearinghouse.

How does taking Matteo Ricci classes impact college acceptance?
The O’Dea Counseling Department has communicated with a number of universities who all note that a dual-enrollment college course with SU will be considered a rigorous course in the review process, just like an AP course. Each university will determine how to transfer the credit and whether it will count as a core course or an elective course.

Can I take both AP credits and SU credits for the same course?
Yes, you can take both. However, colleges will not accept both AP test credits and SU transfer credits from the same subject, only one or the other. You are welcome to take both, potentially to improve your test outcome, but you may end up spending money you don’t need to spend.

What classes does O’Dea recommend?
O’Dea recommends students take the Matteo Ricci classes, where the credits are guaranteed if you pass the class and not contingent on a test score. The cost for credits is more expensive than the AP test but SU has options available for families who may not be able to pay full price for the credits. Do not let money be the deciding factor. The grades on the SU transcript will show up as CR instead of a letter grade so it will not impact your college GPA.