FAQ – Dual Credit
What is the Dual Credit program?
The Dual Credit program is an exciting opportunity to come to college while you are still in high school and potentially earn a credit at both institutions. You will be completing a real college course that counts towards a certificate, diploma or degree program. You will be registered at Algonquin College, given a student number and have access to all the College technologies, including email and Blackboard as well as our student supports!
Why does this program exist?
This program exists to help you discover what vocational pathway is right for you and to help get you closer to the goal of graduating high school.
Why take a Dual Credit at Algonquin College?
The Dual Credit program at Algonquin College has produced significant results while serving over 5,627 students since 2006. In the Fall semester of 2015, 89% of enrolled students successfully earned a dual credit. 762 former dual-credit students are currently studying full time at the college as of winter 2016.
How will you be supported?
Your tuition and course materials are all funded through SCWI (meaning that there is no cost to you) and we also provide some transportation funding. You, like any part-time College student, will be able to access available supports. And because you are still a high school student, will also be assigned a Dual Credit teacher from your school board who will help you navigate this new environment.
What are the various classes a student can participate in the Dual Credit program?
Congregated vs. Integrated vs. Team-taught vs. OYAP
A congregated Dual Credit class is made up of all Dual Credit students from various high schools. Even though the professor knows that all the students are still in high school, they will teach the class just like a regular college class.
An integrated Dual Credit class, has only a few (1-4) Dual Credit students in a regular college course. Again, the professor will know you are a Dual Credit student, but will treat you like a regular college student.
A Team-taught Dual Credit class is when high school students attend a College course at their home high school. The College instructor travels to the high school every week to deliver college content to the students. This curriculum is mapped to a high school course. Students may complete tests, projects or other assessments that count towards both courses!
An OYAP program, as stated by OYAP.ca, is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.
What is the work load like in a Dual Credit course?
Being in college is very different from being in high school, so we will provide you with a lot of support to help you manage the workload that comes with college.