Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment is a program that allows high school students to earn college credit for courses they are taking in high school. The courses are taught by high school faculty who meet the credentials to teach college-level courses. The teachers follow the college curriculum, use college-approved textbooks, and with a mentor who is a full-time college faculty member, to ensure they are delivering a college-level course.
In the spring of 2012, legislation (HB 1184) was passed that "Requires local school boards and community colleges to develop agreements allowing high school students to complete an associate's degree or a one-year Uniform Certificate of General Studies from a community college concurrent with a high school diploma."
In addition, The Uniform Certificate of General Studies (HB 441) clarifies that credits earned in academic subject area coursework as part of the Uniform Certificate of General Studies shall be transferable to a four-year public institution of higher education. Students interested in attending private or colleges outside of Virginia should contact that college's admissions office regarding their dual enrollment policies.
ACPS has been working with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to create both a one-year General Studies Certificate and identify possible Associate Degree programs students could pursue while in high school. The Certificate can be earned through a combination of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses, however, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the credits must be earned via dual enrollment.
ACPS offers courses that apply to the General Studies Certificate as well as other elective dual enrolled courses, the complete list of courses can be viewed via this link.
Students that are interested in pursuing an Associate Degree while in high school should work with their counselor and NOVA to identify appropriate courses. Information about specific degree programs can be found on NOVA's website.
If you have any questions talk to your counselor, or Michele Coffman, Dual Enrollment & Academy Coordinator, at kathleen.brewster@acps.k12.va.us.
-
NOVA Dual Enrollment Process
1. Student Must apply to NOVA online
- Apply online to NOVA
- Application Instructions: Students will receive their NOVA EMPL ID, user name, and a temporary password once the application is accepted. Students have 24 hours to log into their NOVA account and re-set the temporary password to a permanent password. Take a picture of this information you will need in the future.
2. Create a Dual Enroll Account and select your classes.
You will need the EMPL ID you received when you applied to NOVA in Step 1 to create your Dual Enroll Account.
Do not try to register for classes using the regular NOVA website. Dual Enrollment courses are not open to all NOVA students.
Please use these instructions for assistance.
3. Complete any testing needed to place into the dual enrollment courses.
Students may use their GPA in lieu of placement tests for the 2021-2022 Academic Year. Students need a 3.0 or higher to enroll in transfer courses or a 2.0 or higher to enroll in non-transfer courses.
All rising sophomores must have a 3.25 or higher GPA to enroll in a dual-enrolled course and complete an exception packet.
For the approved alternative assessments for general placement, expected course offerings, and test requirements see the Program of Studies.