Dual Enrollment

Homeschooling teenagers may choose to take classes at their local community college and at some four-year institutions. This is considered dual enrollment as the class counts both as part of high school studies and for college credit at the institution where the class was taken. In some cases the community college class may be used for credit at another community college or at a four-year college. The transfer of credit is at the receiving institution's discretion.

For complete information about dual enrollment at local community colleges, use the following links:

Who can take dual enrollment classes? The homeschool equivalent of high school juniors and seniors are eligible for dual enrollment. Freshman and sophomore equivalent students will be considered on a case by case basis.

Are the classes in person? Students are eligible to take classes in person on campus or online.

What are the steps I need to take to get started!?

For Lord Fairfax Community College, use this link to find the enrollment checklist.

Placement Testing

Many of the area community colleges use the ACCUPLACER® test to provide information on prospective students' reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Once enrolled at the community college, a new student takes the ACCUPLACER®, typically at the community college's testing center.

The ACCUPLACER® tests are administered on a computer. There are no time limits on the tests except on the written essay portion. There is a one-hour time limit to complete the essay. The ACCUPLACER® consists of math, reading, and writing tests (more specifics).

Preparing to take the ACCUPLACER

Practice questions for all of the tests from the College Board.

Practice questions for previous version of test, if useful

College-specific placement testing and self-assessment guides

Some community colleges (e.g., Mercer County Community College) no longer use a standardized test to evaluate an individual's placement in for-credit courses. In some cases they use tests created at their institution, in other cases they use high school grades and a student's self-reports to determine whether a student has the preparation needed to be successful in the requested course.

Distance Program at Four-Year Colleges

The following is a list of programs at four-year colleges and universities that offer online courses for credit and support high-school aged participants.

High School ACCESS-Morgantown Early College Program at West Virgina University. The program offers reduced tuition, currently $25 per credit. Many topics are available.
Universal Learner Courses at Arizona State University offers a selection of online first-year college. Pay $25 to register for the course and then the full cost, currently $400, at the end of the course if they've done well and want credit. Courses available in business, engineering, liberal arts and sciences
Rutgers Summer Scholars Program offers a variety of college courses both online and in person. High students who are age 16 or above, with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0, are invited to apply. Summer Scholars is part of Rutgers Continuing Education K-12 pre-college programs.