Skip To Main Content

Early College Academy

A Pathway to the Associate of Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree & Certificate

The New Kent Early College Academy allows New Kent High School students to pursue an Associates of Arts and Sciences Transfer degree or Uniformed Certificate of General Studies from Rappahannock Community College, while still enrolled in high school.  The program is designed for high school juniors and seniors who desire a more rigorous academic program and who are highly motivated to complete the requirements for both high school and RCC.  The Early College program is likely comprised of a combination of Advanced Placement and Dual-Enrollment courses, with some course flexibility for students.  NKHS strives to offer the associate degree pathway, requiring extremely careful planning of your high school course schedule to satisfy the 61 dual enrollment credits.  The certificate offering is roughly half of the associate degree credits.  

Mrs. Stephens, the RCC High School Navigator, will always gladly work with a family to assess the student's status in fulfilling program requirements. However, both programs require courses offered through RCC outside of NKHS class time. Those classes are offered at the RCC full tuition rate at a cost to the family. The certificate level is tailored for each student, but does require many of the same classes as the associate offered at NKHS.  Successful completion of the program requires necessary course grades in dual enrollment and AP courses, AP requires scores on the exams of a 3 or higher, in RCC and NKHS classes. For this reason, thoughtful and early course planning are required.

Because most of the required courses are taught at New Kent High School, students and families only have to pay for the cost of related Advanced Placement Exams ($99 ea.). Currently, there is no cost to take a dual enrollment course offered in NKHS. Next year courses that are not part of the certificate will have a severely reduced cost (TBD). The RCC current tuition rate of roughly $174.95 per credit applies to any courses outside of the certificate. Mrs. Stephens, the RCC High School Navigator, will assist the student with course selection and registration.  

How Do I Qualify for Participation? 

  • Must be a current 10th grader to apply.  Submitting an "Intent to Apply" form in 9th does not substitute for an application for 10th. 
  • Must be on track with verified credits and the Advanced Diploma.  Attendance must also be excellent.
  • Applicants must have an “A” average or better (min. 3.5 cumulative unweighted GPA).  Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 at RCC and NKHS to continue in the program.
  • For '25-'26, it is highly encouraged that students take World History II Honors in 10th for AP or DE US/VA History in 11th. For ‘26-’27, 10th graders are highly encouraged to take AP World History II. An honors option will not exist.
  • Students must successfully pass Alg. II to take DE math. If there were academic struggles in Alg. II, it is recommended to take Trig prior to DE math to ensure the foundation of math is not compromised.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to take as many rigorous classes as possible leading up to 11th grade.

*The Intent to Apply form should be submitted by each interested 9th grader, but does not substitute for the actual application required to be completed in the winter of 10th. Applications for 10th graders are due to Mrs. Spiak at NKHS by Dec. 19 at 3 PM. 

For general questions about the program, contact Peggy Spiak at pspiak@nkcps.k12.va.us. 
----------------------------------------------------------
EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY APPLICATIONS:
Click Here for 9th grade "Intent" form (preferred by Dec. 19)
Click Here for 10th "Application" (submit Dec. 19, 2025)

POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS: OVERVIEW & SUMMER AFTER 10TH 

Click Here to Check Out the ECA Family Info Night Slideshow 11-12-25
Click Here to Check Out the Summer After 10th Mtg. PowerPoint 3-26-25

OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR PARTCIPATING IN THE SUMMER COHORT (after 10th):
Summer Cohort Student Responsibilities Agreement Letter
SDV 100 Sample Syllabus
ITE 152 Sample Syllabus