05.04 Early College Programs

Original Approval: 04/01/2022
Last Updated: 06/01/2023
Last Reviewed:  06/01/2023

Policy/Purpose:

It is the policy of Coastal Alabama Community College to provide qualifying high school students opportunities to earn college credit while still attending high school. Under the guidelines of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board Policy 801.02, Chancellor’s Procedures 801.02, Board Policy 801.03, and Chancellor’s Procedures 801.03 and through cooperative partnerships, the following programs currently allow high school students early admission to college:

• Accelerated Program
• Dual Enrollment Program

Scope:

This policy applies to all high school students taking courses at Coastal Alabama Community College and prospective high school students.

Definitions:

Accelerated Program: The Accelerated High School program allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Unlike the Dual Enrollment program, college credit earned under this classification may not substitute for high school credit.

Dual Enrollment Program: The Dual Enrollment program allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Unlike the Accelerated program, college credit earned under this classification may substitute for high school credit.

Details:

1. Accelerated Program: The Accelerated High School program allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Students interested in taking college courses through the Accelerated Program must meet the criteria referenced in ACCS Board Policy 801.02 and Chancellor’s Procedures 801.02.
2. Dual Enrollment Program: Coastal Alabama Community College provides instructional opportunities to eligible high school students through Dual Enrollment. This allows eligible students to enroll in college classes to receive high school and college credit. Students must meet the criteria referenced in ACCS Board Policy 801.03 and Chancellor’s Procedures 801.03
3. Important Information:
   1. Students may not begin dual enrollment courses until upon completion of the 9th grade.
   2. Students may take both Career/Technical and Academic dual enrollment courses concurrently.
   3. Participating schools/districts may impose additional requirements and/or restrictions based on their own policies.
   4. The terms and conditions of Dual Enrollment are subject to change without notice according to changes in secondary and postsecondary standards.

Procedures(s):

1. Detailed information on Accelerated High School/Dual Enrollment, including admission procedures and forms, can be found on the Coastal Alabama Community College website at https://www.coastalalabama.edu/academics/early-college-programs/.

Additional Provisions / Information:

There are no additional provisions / information applicable to this policy.