Dual Credit Programming
Peace River School Division (PRSD) offers eligible Grade 11 and 12 students the opportunity to earn high school credits and post-secondary credits at the same time. Dual credit is an optional career-focused pathway designed to help students explore careers and transition successfully to post-secondary education or employment.
Getting Started
The first step in determining a student's eligibility for dual credit programming is to have the student complete a PRSD eligibility package. This includes:
- a career portfolio
- a statement of intent
- a resume
- a Teacher recommendation or statement of support
Ultimately, the school principal provides approval for the student's eligibility to apply for dual credit programming. Students are considered for enrollment in dual credit programming based on academic standing, regular attendance, and readiness for post-secondary independent learning. A minimum 65% is expected in the specified prerequisite courses.
PRSD currently offers dual credit opportunities through Northern Lakes College, Northwestern Polytechnic, and Olds College. To see the full list of courses offered, check out each post-secondary partner’s website:
Students must meet each institution's eligibility requirements.
Families Should Plan for Additional Costs
While the PRSD pays the tuition fee for dual credit programming, students are responsible for application fees, learning resource fees, purchasing any required personal protective equipment (PPE), and technology fees charged by the post-secondary institution.
A $300 PRSD caution fee is also required upon successful post-secondary enrollment and is reimbursed when the student successfully completes the program.
Student Schedule & Transportation
Students must ensure the dual credit program fits within their high school timetable and create a personal learning schedule. Students are also responsible for transportation to off-site classes, labs, work sites, or activities.
Once Enrolled
A PRSD principal or designated teacher will act as the student's school-based supervisor, provide regular check-ins, monitor progress, and communicate with the post-secondary institution. Post-secondary instructors determine the grades, which are then reported for high school credit.
If a student plans to attend a different post-secondary institution after high school, families should check whether the dual credits will transfer. Transfer is determined by the receiving institution, so students should confirm requirements directly with their intended post-secondary school.
What Can Parents Do to Help Their Student Succeed?✔ Encourage your student to connect their course choices to their career goals. |
FAQs
There are many benefits to students for accessing this opportunity:
- Engage students in their learning by linking it to their future career
- Personal their high school experience and building on their career goals
- Motivate students to complete their high school diploma
- Empower students to learn, work, and thrive in their local community
- Support students to confidently transition from high school to post-secondary education and/or employment.
Step 1: Get in touch with your high school principal to express your interest. They will provide you information on post-secondary partnerships and programs, as well as an eligibility package to determine your suitability.
Step 2: Once you complete your eligibility package and have been accepted by your principal, you will be provided with an application package for the post-secondary partner.
Step 3: Pick your course(s)/program and verify you meet the prerequisites and co-requisites, as well as timetabling requirements. Your principal or school-based supervisor can assist with this.
Step 4: Complete and submit the application package to your principal or school based supervisor. They will submit it to the post-secondary.
Step 5: Watch your inbox for an email from the post-secondary partner for further information and instructions!
Typically, you will be given a block in your timetable for dual credit programming. However, post-secondary programming is more rigorous than high school, so you may need to devote time outside of the school day to complete your classes as well. You should plan for this in your personal learning schedule.
Each course and each post-secondary partner requires different prerequisites, so please check their dual credit listings on their websites for pre-requisites. You may also need to be enrolled in co-requisites. Ask your school-based supervisor to help you!
If classes are virtual, you may be able to complete these at your school during the school day and many courses incorporate online programming. Some programs may have in-person classes or in-person labs that you will be expected to be present for. If so, you are responsible for your own transportation.
The teachers are the instructors at the post-secondary institution. Your instructor will determine your final grade. You will also have a school-based teacher supervisor who will check in on your progress from time to time.
Marks are determined by the post-secondary institution and they have the final say on all grades and completion. Any appeal will be through the post-secondary institutions.
Costs are dependent on the program and the post-secondary institution. PRSD will cover the costs of tuition, but all other fees will be the responsibility of the student, including application fees, learning resource fees (LRFs), such as textbooks or technology fees, or personal protective equipment (PPE) fees. There is also a $300 caution fee charged by PRSD that will be returned upon successful completion of the dual credit.
If you do not complete your course, and you do not withdraw before the withdrawal deadline set by the post-secondary institution, you do not receive any high school or post-secondary credits. Further, you will forfeit your $300 caution fee to PRSD and you will not be reimbursed for any application fees, LRFS, or PPE.
Your school-based supervisor is your main contact during your program and can help you with trouble-shooting. For any questions related to assignments and course material, you are encouraged to reach out to your post-secondary instructor, although you school-based supervisor can support you in this.
More Questions?Reach out to your school's principal! |