Dual credit courses are academic or career technical courses that a high school student takes for both high school and college credit while in high school. In the past, LCPS worked with DACC on dual credit courses; however the program was not entirely inclusive for all students. Now colleges, universities, public schools and the Public Education Department are working to make it available to everyone who is eligible.

“It’s a great opportunity for students. Once they meet the eligibility requirements, the possibilities are endless,” Jennifer Amis, director of Secondary Instruction and Career Education for LCPS, says. “This is a really good way to add relevance to a student’s high school education.”

To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in a public high school, charter school or state-supported school in one-half or more of the minimum course requirements approved by the Public Education Department for public school students. Students must also obtain secondary and postsecondary approval through the Dual Credit Request Form, as well as meet course prerequisites for dual credit courses and meet the academic standing established by the secondary school and public college or university.

Once eligibility is met, students enrolled in college courses prior to high school graduation can explore future careers, ease the transition from high school to college or university and earn elective credits toward high school graduation requirements and a two-year associate’s degree.

“These opportunities have been available, but now we really have a system in place to give all students access,” Jennifer says. “We have so many students that may have never seen themselves as college potential but we are helping them give it a try.”

Public colleges and universities have agreed to waive tuition and general fees and secondary schools provide textbooks and course supplies. The only costs to the students are course fees and transportation.

Last year, LCPS students completed over 650 dual credit courses and that number is expected to increase. Freshmen starting in 2009 are required to take at least one advanced placement, honors, online or dual credit course before graduation.

“You can see the enormous growth over the last four years,” Jennifer says. “It’s like breaking down the walls of a traditional high school. There are no limits to what students can do.”

Facts about Dual Credit Enrollment

• NMSU and DACC academic calendars start and end at different dates than most high school calendars. Students are expected to attend college courses even if their high school is not in session that particular day.
  
  
• Students who take courses that are not part of the approved course list with their high school will be responsible for the costs of tuition, fees and textbooks.
  
  
• Enrolling in college courses is a commitment of time and energy. Students should consider whether enrolling in dual credit courses is a realistic option based on extracurricular activities and family schedules.
  
  
• Grades earned through dual credit enrollment go on a permanent academic record at NMSU, DACC and other secondary schools.