Earning College Credit While in High School

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Dual Enrollment Opportunities for Students

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment is an enrichment opportunity that allows high school/home schooled students to earn college credits for courses taken through a sponsoring college/university while still being enrolled in high school. As a dual-enrolled student, you are enrolled in both high school (or home school) and the sponsoring college/university.

Who Can Take a Dual Enrollment Course?

High school juniors and seniors, who meet the established criteria of the sponsoring college/university, are eligible to participate in the dual enrollment courses. Freshmen and sophomores may be granted exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Where Do I Take a Dual Enrollment Course and What is the Cost?

Dual enrollment courses through Northern Virginia Community College are taken in a PWCS school. There is no charge for tuition. Student should contact their school counselor for more information about courses and fees that may be associated with Dual Enrollment.

I am Ready to Take a Dual Enrollment Course! How Do I Get Started?

Indicate your interest in dual enrollment when you meet with your school counselor to discuss course selection prior to the start of your junior year. Your school counselor will guide you through the next steps to include completing a PWCS Dual Enrollment application and the application for sponsoring college/university.

Methods for Earning College Credit While in High School

As described above, students may take dual enrollment courses as "contract dual enrollment" by attending their community college classes on PWCS high school campuses and receiving instruction from PWCS teachers who are authorized to teach dual enrollment courses by sponsoring college/university.

Students may also take "on campus" courses at the community college for dual enrollment credit for those courses identified in the division's annual list of published dual enrollment offerings.

Students wishing to take courses not included in the division's list of dual enrollment course offerings may take "college credit only" offerings with a sponsoring college/university.

In addition, student can earn college credit through no tuition cost Early Online College opportunities available in partnership with NOVA.

In all cases, students must meet the entrance requirements of the sponsoring college/university and have their principal's permission to enroll in courses offered for college credit with those schools the division has partnered with for these opportunities.

Students may also earn college credit by taking an Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge (AICE), or International Baccalaureate (IB) course while in high school. Students receive college credit based on the score they receive on the external exam taken at the conclusion of the course or sequence of courses. Below, a summary of all the ways in which students may earn college credit in a PWCS school is provided.

How Can My High School Course Work Earn Me College Credit?
Dual Enrollment	Many earned credits with a "C" or better transfer to most four-year colleges Courses may fall within a specific subject area or may be considered an elective The awarding of college credit for courses taken in high school varies and students should research the specific school they wish to attend.
Advanced Placement (AP)	Earned exam scores of 3, 4 or 5 may qualify students for 3 or more college credits per AP course. The awarding of college credit for courses taken in high school varies and students should research the specific school they wish to attend.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Earned exam score of 4 or higher may qualify the student to earn college credit. Earned exam scores of 5, 6 or 7 may qualify students for up to 9 college credits per one IB course. The awarding of college credit for courses taken in high school varies and students should research the specific school they wish to attend.
Cambridge (AICE)	Earned exam grades of E or higher may qualify the student to earn college credit. Earned exam grades of A or B on A level exams may qualify students for up to 6 college credits per Cambridge course. The awarding of college credit for courses taken in high school varies and students should research the specific school they wish to attend.

Learn more about receiving college credit for passing AP, IB, and Cambridge exams at a Virginia four-year college.

Equal Opportunity Schools

Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) is a PWCS initiative designed to increase all students' access and opportunity to participate in rigorous academic environments such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge courses. PWCS utilizes EOS to target students in grades 9-12. Once students are enrolled in these courses, the EOS data analysis, outreach, and academic support models are utilized to ensure students realize success. All students have access to Trusted Adults who are familiar with each student’s profile.