Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment allows students to pursue an advanced curriculum in high school relevant to their postsecondary interests. Upon successful completion of a dual-enrolled course, students are awarded both high school and college credit. Before a student can be enrolled in these classes, they must meet entrance requirements established by the college. College credits earned may be transferable to other colleges.

Dual enrollment courses offered through Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) are available to high school juniors and seniors who meet the established criteria for each class. Freshmen and sophomores can be granted exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Students interested in taking NOVA dual enrollment courses can meet the established criteria in multiple ways (i.e., by taking the Virginia Placement Test or by having eligible SAT, PSAT, ACT, or AP scores.) Please consult your counselor for information on dual enrollment course eligibility, offerings, quality points awarded through DE enrollment, and transferability possibilities. Students who take a DE course receive a college transcript from the awarding institution. For more information on placement testing, alternative placement options, and spring testing dates and sites visit the following online link www.apsva.us/dualenrollment.

NOVA Dual Enrollment 

Dual Enrollment is an enrichment and rigorous opportunity that allows high school students to earn college credits for courses taken through Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) while enrolled in high school. Dual enrolled students are enrolled in both high school and NOVA.

Who Can Take Dual Enrollment classes?

High school juniors and seniors or the home-schooled equivalent are eligible to participate in dual enrollment classes. To take these courses, you must demonstrate competence in reading, writing and math. VCCS policy allows colleges to consider exceptional freshman and sophomore students who demonstrate readiness for college- level coursework. Each sophomore student will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits of Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment can provide students an opportunity to enhance their education by enrolling early in college courses. This allows students to progress toward their next academic goal without having to wait until high school graduation. Studies show that students who acquire college credits while still in high school are more likely to graduate from high school and continue their formal education.

In addition, dual enrollment:

  • Allows students to receive high school and college credit simultaneously.
  • Can eliminate the duplication of courses taken in high school and in college.
  • Permits students to accumulate credits prior to entering college so they can be able to graduate from college early or on time.
  • Provides students with a wider range of courses giving them an opportunity to complete general education courses required at most colleges and allows them to explore different fields before declaring a major. • Facilitates a seamless transition from high school to college.
  • Can lower the cost of a post-secondary education.

Dual Enrollment Facts

  • Credits you take as a dual enrollment student can transfer to four-year colleges.
  • Taking NOVA courses as a dual enrollment student can save you time and money.
  • NOVA offers dual enrollment classes in many high schools based on teacher availability.
  • Dual enrollment students can work towards a certificate or associate degree.
  • Dual enrollment students can work toward a transferable General Education Certificate.

Taking a Dual Enrollment Course(s)

  • All students must demonstrate college readiness to take Dual Enrollment classes. PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP or SOL results will determine if the student is eligible to take a course. Taking a dual enrollment course requires the student to apply online with NOVA at https://apply.vccs.edu/
  • In order to request dual, enroll course(s) students must register at https://nvcc.dualenroll.com/
  • Under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability services are available to students if they are currently enrolled, have a documented disability that substantially limits them in one or more of life’s major activities, and are otherwise academically qualified. Please carefully review the information on NOVA’s Accommodations and Accessibility Services website: https://www.nvcc.edu/accommodations/index.html
  • A dual enrolled student is expected to engage in college level course content and discussions appropriate for adult learners.
  • Dual enrollment courses are part of a NOVA transcript, which must be sent to any college/university to which the student attends.
  • The student’s lack of participation/attendance may negatively affect his/her ability to stay in a dual enrollment course. Should the student not pass the first semester of a 2-semester (full-year) course, he/she will be automatically dropped from the second semester dual enrollment class.
  • NOVA courses will run throughout the entire academic school year. Students taking year-long Dual Enrollment (DE) courses may be enrolled in two consecutive NOVA courses during the fall and spring semester. Please note, math courses require students to earn a grade of C or higher to progress to the second semester of the college course (ex. MTH 161, MTH 162). For other courses, a passing grade earned in the first semester is the prerequisite for the second semester course (ex. DE English 12 is ENG 111 and ENG 112). In order to utilize a course to fulfill a graduation requirement or transfer to another college or university, students must earn a C or higher.
  • Dual Enrollment classes are based on a college semester schedule which is different from high school schedule. Courses will have unique start, drop, withdrawal and end dates which will be listed in the class syllabus. Pay attention to these dates as drops or withdrawals can impact your official college record.
  • Dual Enrollment students are entitled to the same benefits and privileges as any other NOVA student. This includes access to free tutoring, NOVA’s library system, on-campus activities, student services and many more. Once enrolled, students can request a NOVA student identification card which gives them access to these benefits and services

For more information, please view the Dual Enrollment Manual at
https://www.nvcc.edu/dual-enrollment/manual.html