College is expensive. What if your son could earn college credits during high school, reducing both time and cost of his degree? Hargrave’s dual enrollment partnerships with Richard Bland College of William & Mary and Liberty University make this possible for qualified students.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses that count for both high school graduation requirements and college credit. Students earn credits that transfer to most colleges and universities, potentially graduating college earlier or with room in their schedule for double majors, study abroad, or internships.
At Hargrave, qualified students can take college courses while completing their high school diploma. They’re simultaneously high school students and college students, earning credits from accredited institutions that most universities accept.
Partnership with Richard Bland College
Richard Bland College of William & Mary is Hargrave’s primary dual enrollment partner. As part of the prestigious William & Mary system, Richard Bland offers rigorous courses that transfer widely. Hargrave students can take general education requirements that fulfill college core curriculum, specialized courses in areas of interest, and courses that align with intended college majors.
The partnership is structured to work seamlessly with Hargrave’s schedule and academic program. Students don’t leave campus for classes—courses are integrated into their Hargrave day through online delivery with faculty facilitation.
Partnership with Liberty University
Liberty University provides additional dual enrollment options, particularly for students interested in courses Liberty specializes in. The same model applies: courses integrate into the Hargrave schedule, credits transfer to most universities, and quality remains high through faculty oversight.
Having two partner institutions gives students more course options and flexibility to pursue diverse academic interests.
Who Qualifies?
Not every student is ready for college-level work. Dual enrollment requires academic readiness and maturity. Typical qualifications include minimum GPA requirements (usually 3.0 or higher), teacher recommendations, demonstrated study skills and time management, successful completion of prerequisite courses, and maturity to handle college-level expectations.
The Academic Dean and college counselors work with students to determine readiness. Some students begin dual enrollment junior year. Others wait until senior year when they’re more prepared.
Course Options
The range of dual enrollment courses is extensive. Common options include English Composition (college writing courses), Mathematics (College Algebra, Calculus, Statistics), History and Social Sciences (American History, Government, Psychology), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics with labs), Foreign Languages (Spanish, French), Business courses, and electives in various disciplines.
Students can take courses that fulfill general education requirements at most colleges or specialized courses related to intended majors. A student planning to study engineering might take Calculus and Physics. One interested in business might take Economics and Accounting.
How It Works Practically
Dual enrollment at Hargrave is faculty-facilitated. Students don’t just take random online courses independently. The Academic Learning Center, directed by Jeremiah Bunker, provides structure and support. Faculty members monitor progress and provide assistance. Courses integrate into the daily schedule during specific periods. Study halls provide time for coursework. Technology support ensures online platforms work smoothly.
This facilitated approach ensures students succeed. College courses are challenging. Having faculty support makes the difference between struggling and thriving.
Credit Transfer
The big question parents ask: Will these credits transfer? Generally, yes. Richard Bland College and Liberty University are regionally accredited institutions. Most colleges and universities accept their credits, though specific policies vary by institution.
Students should research transfer policies at colleges they’re considering. Some universities have articulation agreements guaranteeing credit acceptance. Others review transcripts case-by-case. College counselors help students navigate this process.
Financial Benefits
The financial advantages are substantial. College tuition at Hargrave’s partner institutions is significantly less than taking the same course at most universities later. Credits earned reduce total credits needed for college graduation, potentially saving an entire semester or year of college tuition. Students graduate college earlier, entering the workforce or graduate school sooner. Scholarships and financial aid stretch further when fewer credits are needed.
For example, a student who earns 15 dual enrollment credits in high school could potentially graduate college a semester early, saving $20,000+ in tuition, room, and board.
Academic Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
Financial savings are significant, but academic benefits matter too. Students experience college-level rigor while still in the supportive Hargrave environment. They develop study skills necessary for college success. They gain confidence that they can handle college coursework. They explore potential majors before committing. They challenge themselves academically beyond standard high school curriculum.
Many students say dual enrollment prepared them for college better than traditional high school courses because they learned to meet higher expectations, manage increased workload, and think at college level.
Time Management Lessons
Dual enrollment teaches crucial time management skills. Students must balance high school requirements with college coursework, military obligations, athletic participation, leadership responsibilities, and social activities. This juggling act prepares them perfectly for college, where similar balance is required.
Students who succeed in dual enrollment arrive at college already knowing how to manage complex schedules and competing demands.
Not for Everyone
Dual enrollment isn’t right for every student. Some boys aren’t academically ready. Others are already challenged by Hargrave’s rigorous college prep curriculum. Some need to focus on improving foundational skills before attempting college-level work.
Hargrave’s academic team honestly assesses each student’s readiness. Pushing students into dual enrollment before they’re ready sets them up for failure. Better to build strong foundations and succeed in high school than struggle with premature college courses.
Alternative: AP Courses
For students not quite ready for dual enrollment, Advanced Placement courses provide similar benefits. Hargrave offers 8+ AP courses across disciplines. AP courses are college-level but designed for high school students. AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 typically earn college credit. The rigor prepares students for college without the formal dual enrollment structure.
Some students take both AP courses and dual enrollment, maximizing their college credit opportunities.
College Counselor Coordination
College counselors coordinate closely with students taking dual enrollment courses. They ensure courses align with college plans, verify credit transfer policies at target schools, help students understand how dual enrollment affects college applications, and advise on balancing dual enrollment with other academic goals.
This coordination ensures dual enrollment serves students’ long-term interests rather than just accumulating credits for their own sake.
Success Stories
Many Hargrave graduates arrive at college with 15-30 credits already earned through dual enrollment and AP exams. This allows them to place out of introductory courses and move directly into advanced coursework, complete double majors or minors within four years, study abroad without delaying graduation, take internships during the academic year, and graduate early if desired.
One recent graduate earned enough credits to finish his undergraduate degree in three years, saving his family an entire year of tuition and entering the workforce a year ahead of peers.
Application Process
Students interested in dual enrollment should discuss options with their academic advisor early in junior year, maintain strong GPA and study habits, complete prerequisite courses successfully, obtain teacher recommendations, and work with the Academic Learning Center to enroll in appropriate courses.
The process is straightforward, but planning ahead ensures students can take maximum advantage of opportunities.
The Hargrave Advantage
Many schools offer dual enrollment. What makes Hargrave different? Faculty facilitation ensures success rather than letting students struggle independently. Academic support through the Learning Center provides help when needed. Structured study halls provide time for coursework. College counseling ensures credits align with college plans. The Hargrave environment supports academic risk-taking.
Students attempt challenging college courses knowing they have support systems in place.
Preparing for the Future
Dual enrollment is part of Hargrave’s comprehensive college preparation. Combined with rigorous college prep curriculum, How to Study program, college counseling, SAT preparation, and leadership development, dual enrollment helps students arrive at college ready to excel from day one.
Parents invest significantly in Hargrave education. Dual enrollment provides tangible return on investment through reduced college costs and enhanced preparation.
Ready to learn more about dual enrollment opportunities? Contact the Academic Dean or Director of the Academic Learning Center, Jeremiah Bunker, to discuss whether dual enrollment is right for your son, understand available courses, learn about credit transfer, and discover how to maximize college preparation.
Contact us at 866-994-4582 or admissions@hargrave.edu in Chatham, Virginia.
