Early College & Dual Enrollment Program

Start College Before High School Graduation

Falcon Academy’s Early College & Dual Enrollment Program provides high school students with an opportunity to begin their college education while completing their high school studies.

Through independent dual enrollment, eligible Falcon Academy students may enroll in college-level courses at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), allowing them to earn college credits before graduating from high school.

Students participating in this program maintain their enrollment at Falcon Academy while independently enrolling in approved NOVA courses. Depending on the courses selected and applicable academic requirements, students may earn both high school and college credits for their completed coursework.

Falcon Academy’s school counseling team provides academic guidance to help students identify appropriate college courses that align with their high school graduation requirements, academic interests, and future educational goals.

Our Early College Program is designed to encourage academic excellence, develop independent learning skills, and prepare students for a successful transition to higher education.

Opportunities for Academic Growth

Explore the ways Falcon Academy’s Early College Program can support students as they prepare for college and future academic goals.

1
Earn College Credits Before High School Graduation

• Falcon Academy students have the opportunity to begin earning college credits while completing their high school education.
• Eligible students may enroll in NOVA courses as early as ninth grade, subject to the college’s admission requirements, course eligibility criteria, and individual academic readiness.
• By successfully completing college-level coursework during high school, students can begin building a college transcript and potentially fulfill certain degree requirements before entering a four-year institution.
• Depending on their academic plans, course availability, and individual progress, students may accumulate a substantial number of college credits before graduating from Falcon Academy.
• This experience can help students develop confidence in their academic abilities while preparing them for the expectations of higher education.

2
Strengthening College Applications and Academic Preparation

• Participation in college-level coursework provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate academic initiative, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to succeed in a challenging learning environment.
• By completing NOVA courses while attending Falcon Academy, students gain firsthand experience with college-level academic expectations, independent study, and time management.
• Successful completion of these courses may strengthen a student’s academic profile and provide additional evidence of college readiness during the university admissions process.
• Although dual enrollment does not guarantee admission to any college or university, it allows students to demonstrate their ability to manage rigorous coursework and take responsibility for their academic progress.

3
Create Personalized Academic Pathways

• Falcon Academy recognizes that students have different academic interests, career aspirations, and educational goals.
• Our school counseling team works with students and their families to develop individualized academic plans that incorporate appropriate college-level coursework.
• Students may select NOVA courses that complement their high school studies, fulfill potential college general education requirements, or introduce them to subjects related to their intended college majors.
• Depending on course availability and eligibility, students may explore academic areas such as business, economics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
• Through personalized academic advising, Falcon Academy helps students make informed decisions about their educational pathways and future college plans.

4
Explore Opportunities to Earn an Associate Degree

• Students who wish to pursue an accelerated college pathway may explore the possibility of completing an associate degree while attending high school.
• By carefully selecting and successfully completing the required NOVA courses, students may be able to fulfill some or all of the academic requirements for an associate degree before graduating from Falcon Academy.
• Students interested in this pathway should work closely with Falcon Academy’s school counseling team and NOVA academic advisors to develop an appropriate course plan.
• Earning an associate degree during high school requires completion of all applicable NOVA degree requirements and is dependent on course availability, student eligibility, academic performance, and the time available before high school graduation.
• An associate degree is an optional educational goal and is not guaranteed through participation in Falcon Academy’s Early College Program.

5
Reduce the Cost and Time Required for College

• Dual enrollment offers students and families an opportunity to plan for a potentially more affordable college education.
• College credits earned through NOVA may be transferable to other colleges and universities, depending on the receiving institution’s transfer policies and degree requirements.
• Students who successfully transfer applicable credits may be able to reduce the number of courses they need to complete after high school graduation.
• This can potentially shorten the time required to complete a college degree and reduce certain tuition-related expenses.
• Falcon Academy encourages students and families to research the credit transfer policies of their intended colleges and universities before selecting courses.

6
Explore Different Academic Fields and Career Interests

• The Early College Program allows students to expand their academic experiences beyond the traditional high school curriculum.
• Through independent enrollment in NOVA courses, students may explore subjects that reflect their personal interests and future professional aspirations.
• Depending on available courses and eligibility requirements, students may pursue introductory coursework in fields such as engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, mathematics, and the humanities.
• Early exposure to different academic disciplines can help students identify their strengths, discover new interests, and make informed decisions about their future college majors.

7
Preparing for a Successful Transition to College

• Beginning college coursework during high school allows students to become familiar with the academic responsibilities and expectations of higher education while continuing to receive support from their high school community.
• Through their college coursework, students develop important skills such as independent learning, critical thinking, time management, academic communication, and personal accountability.
• Falcon Academy’s school counseling team helps students balance their high school responsibilities with their college-level academic commitments.
• Our goal is to prepare students to enter college with greater confidence, stronger academic skills, and a clear understanding of their educational goals.