A Pathway to the Associate of Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree
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 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.
We are confident we can fully support the certificate. We will do our best to accommodate those wishing to pursue the associate degree, but that is heavily reliant on course offerings. Ms. Gray, the RCC High School Navigator, will always gladly work with a family to assess the student's status in fulfilling the remaining requirements outside of NKHS class time at the full RCC tuition rate at the cost of 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 courses and scores on AP Exams of 3 or higher, summer classes at RCC to complete necessary courses, minimum scores on the VPT or other assessment to enroll in dual enrollment classes at NKHS and RCC, and thoughtful early course planning.
Early College students are strongly urged to acquaint themselves with the requirements of the college or university to which transfer is contemplated and to consult with an advisor at the four-year institution for further transfer assistance. Completion of the A.A. & S. degree with a minimum required GPA may also give students access to the Virginia Community College System’s Guaranteed Transfer Program to Virginia colleges and universities. 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 and tuition of $15 per credit (subject to change) for dual-enrollment courses. The current cost of the program for families, subject to change, is approximately $1800 for two years (61 credits-full associate’s) of college work. There are also summer classes to take that are required for all RCC students. Depending upon their schedule and progress students may also need to take courses in the evening at RCC and during each summer, to include following high school graduation, at either the RCC New Kent Site or Glenns Campus. An RCC advisor will be assigned to the student in order to assist with course selection.
**There is also a certificate level of the program that equals roughly half of the full associates. The RCC High School Navigator, who works closely with Mrs. Spiak, can tailor a certificate pathway for each student.
How Do I Qualify? - The criteria are currently being revised. Applications will be available soon.
For general questions about the program, contact Peggy Spiak at [email protected].
*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. The most current application will be posted by late October of each year.
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EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY APPLICATIONS:
Click Here for 9th grade "Intent" form (submit in Dec.)
Click Here for 10th "Application" (submit in Dec.)
VIDEO RECORDING OF ECA FAMILY INFORMATION NIGHT (11-17-21)
Click Here for the Video
POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS: OVERVIEW & SUMMER AFTER 10TH
Click Here for the Presentation 11-17-22
Click Here to Check Out the Summer After 10th Mtg. PowerPoint
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR PARTCIPATING IN THE SUMMER COHORT (after 10th):
Agreement Letter
SDV 100 Syllabus-keep for reference!
ITE 119 Syllabus-keep for reference!
DE Consent Form
FERPA Form