The Benefits of Dual Enrollment at Valencia Community College

Are you a high school student looking to take your education to the next level? Consider the incredible opportunity of dual enrollment at Valencia Community College! This unique program offers a multitude of benefits that can set you on the path to academic success while still in high school.

The Benefits of Dual Enrollment at Valencia Community College

I know what you’re thinking….MORE classes and MORE work? But in actuality, it’s not. You take dual enrollment classes in place of your high school classes and receive both a college credit and high school credit for taking these classes. It’s a win-win!

Additionally, if you’re a self-motivated student, you don’t need to take classes on campus, you can opt for online classes which are self-paced and you can space out your assignments throughout the week, instead of attending and working on daily high school assignments. It’s actually EASIER! Online professors will provide key information including videos to help you succeed in class and do not have required class times to attend a live session.

Let’s dive into all the wonderful benefits of dual enrollment at Valencia

1. Earn College Credits: Dual enrollment allows you to earn college credits while completing your high school requirements. Imagine graduating high school not only with your diploma but also with a head start on your college journey or an Associate in Arts Degree (AA). These credits are transferable to many colleges and universities, giving you a head start in your pursuit of a higher education degree.

2. Challenging Academics: Valencia Community College offers a diverse range of courses that can challenge and engage your intellectual curiosity. By participating in dual enrollment, you can delve into subjects that may not be available at your high school, exploring new academic interests and expanding your horizons.

3. Cost Savings: Dual enrollment can significantly reduce the cost of a college education. Taking college courses while in high school is FREE – that’s right there are no tuition fees, allowing you to save thousands of dollars in the long run. This is an opportunity to gain a quality education without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. The application to sign up for dual enrollment classes is also FREE as well as the books required for each course!!

4. Smooth Transition to College: Dual enrollment serves as a bridge between high school and college. You’ll experience the college environment, get familiar with college-level coursework, and develop important academic skills, such as time management and independent learning. This can make your transition to a full-time college student much smoother.

5. Clarify Career Goals: Dual enrollment at Valencia gives you the chance to explore potential career paths before committing to a specific major. Trying out different courses can help you identify your strengths, interests, and passions, enabling you to make more informed decisions about your future academic and career pursuits.

6. Experienced Instructors: At Valencia Community College, you’ll learn from experienced instructors who are experts in their fields. Their guidance and mentorship can contribute to your academic growth and provide insights that go beyond standard high school education.

In a world that increasingly values higher education, dual enrollment at Valencia Community College provides an invaluable opportunity to gain an academic edge. Whether you’re aiming to accelerate your learning, save on tuition costs, or explore new interests, this program opens doors to a world of possibilities.

For clarity, dual enrollment is not the same as taking AP classes on the high school campus. The school counselors will push for this option because they earn more $$ when kids are on campus in their classes. When you take an AP class at high school, you’re in that class all year long. When you take dual enrollment classes at a college, you take each class for a semester. That means you can take DOUBLE the college courses in the same timeframe as (1) AP class.

My son began dual enrollment at Valencia at age 14 (his sophomore year of high school). He started with two classes per semester so a total of four college classes were taken that year. He’s tried in-person classes, mixed mode (teacher-led online with specific times to attend lectures and then complete assignments on your own), and online classes where you go at your own pace with the resources provided by the professor.

We opted for his first two periods of the day to be dual enrolled, so in his sophomore year, I dropped him off at the high school campus for periods 3-7. Now in his junior year at high school, he’s taking three college classes per semester and is dropped off for periods 4-7. We chose this route for two reasons: he (and I) get to sleep in every day and he plays several sports at the high school so he needs to be there at the end of the day. You could opt for early dismissal by starting first period on the high school campus and then arranging for pick-up towards the end of the day. That’s what’s so great about the dual enrollment program – you have options!

By the time my son enters his senior year, he will be taking four college classes per semester and graduate high school with his AA degree! We are so grateful for this FREE program that is offered here in Florida. We can’t recommend it enough! If you are interested in signing up for dual enrollment classes, reach out to a dual enrollment coordinator for details.

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