Charles Poulin, a senior at Potomac Falls High School committed to Vanderbilt University this fall with a scholarship. Poulin believes that schools should be providing students with as many Dual Enrollment opportunities as possible. 

“You’ll get a head start and you’ll be familiar with college classes,” Poulin said.  

He was shocked to find out how many Dual Enrollment classes Park View High School offered. 

“It’s crazy how you guys only have one,” Poulin said.

In the 2022-23 school year, Park View is adding Dual Enrollment US History, American History, and Geospatial science. This is the first time Park View has offered more than one Dual Enrollment core class in addition to the Childhood Education elective. Other LCPS high schools like John Champe and Potomac Falls have offered more Dual Enrollment classes than Park View. In 2020-2021, John Champe offered six Dual Enrollment classes, while Potomac Falls offered eight across four different subjects. 

Although Park View is a little behind in adding Dual Enrollment classes, it is a step in the right direction. 

“I chose DE because I already enjoy teaching AP history. It’s my favorite subject to teach,” said Tom Wellington, who will be teaching Dual Enrollment history next year at Park View.

The lack of certified teachers at Park View is the main reason the school did not offer more Dual Enrollment classes.

“The teacher has to be certified, submit a resume and an application to get hired through [Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)],” said Kim-Marie Brown, School Counseling Director at Park View.

Park View students have been missing out on a lot of potential opportunities because of the lack of Dual Enrollment classes. They are important for aspiring college students, especially ones in an economically disadvantaged community. Dual Enrollment classes can save students money because there’s no tuition charge to take the class at the high school. Students can save around $550 per class, and they can obtain college credits. Dual enrollment classes are also great factors for a college application. 

“There is lots of research that shows students who take DE classes have higher GPAs, higher entrance rates, and get their degree quicker,” said Amy Nearman, Director of Dual Enrollment for NVCC.

You can learn more about the NOVA Dual Enrollment program on their website.