What else you should know about dual enrollment

Northside High School senior Tyler Langhorn recently became the first from his school to earn a certificate of general studies while also getting his high school diploma. He's also on track to be getting an associate degree later this spring or summer, another first.

Part of how he accomplished such a feat was dual enrollment.

More and more high school students are taking college courses before they even head off to college campuses.

With the number of students taking the courses increasing (both nationally and locally), Virginia Western Community College officials hope cases like Tyler’s will become more common.

Taking more college courses in high school could help cut down on higher education costs for families. Last month Sen. Tim Kaine introduced legislation to provide grants to states to expand dual enrollment offerings. According to a news release from Kaine’s office, research shows the courses can reduce the cost and time needed for a college degree.

But as dual enrollment courses increase, who pays for them and what about quality? Education Week looks at those questions here and here.

What have your experiences with the classes been? Have you taken them? Has your child?

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