In recent years, thousands of Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) students have taken advantage of the Dual Enrollment Program, which provides an opportunity to take college courses while in high school and begin the path to a college degree.
In Dual Enrollment, students are concurrently enrolled in FCPS and in college. FCPS offers selected Frederick Community College (FCC) classes at every high school, taught by FCPS faculty credentialed by FCC. Students may also elect to take college classes on campus at FCC or online, known as Open Campus. See the various dual enrollment programs here.
Background
In May 2024, the Maryland State Board of Education and the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) for the Blueprint for Maryland's Future issued new guidance about the implementation of Dual Enrollment (DE) pathways at no cost to students. As a result of large increases in dual enrollment programming, coupled with budgetary challenges being experienced across the state, the new guidance allows limitations on the number of DE courses provided at no cost to students. See the policy announcement here.
FCPS and FCC remain committed to expanding access to dual enrollment, we are also working together to implement the new guidance in ways that address fiscal challenges and provide maximum opportunities for students.
As a result, FCPS and FCC are planning to implement some changes to dual enrollment programs in 2024-25. While some of the adjustments are a result of the new state guidance, the adjustments will also support student success and ensure that students are enrolled in meaningful pathways aligned to their specific college and career goals.
What is the impact of these changes for next year? For Fall 2024, most students who have already enrolled in DE courses are within the parameters described below, and no changes will be necessary. In select cases, students with schedules that exceed these thresholds will be contacted for further advising about their pathway and course selections.
Dual Enrollment program updates for 2024-25
Pathways: When applying to FCC and enrolling in courses, students will be required to indicate a broad area of post-secondary study aligned to their college and career goals.
High School-Based courses (offered at each high school and the Career and Technology Center) will continue to be provided at no cost.
Open Campus courses (offered on campus at FCC or online) will be provided at no cost for eligible Grade 11 (up to two courses per school year) and Grade 12 students (up to four courses per school year); must align with a degree program in a chosen area of study; and be enrolled directly at FCC by August 1, 2024 for Fall 2024.
Specific programs, such as Early College and Career Pathways, will continue to be provided at no cost for rising Grade 11 and 12 students who have already enrolled. For future cohorts, there will be additional application criteria, as well as limits to seats available and how much of the program is funded by FCPS.
Additional Limitations: In general, students are eligible to begin dual enrollment courses in Grade 11, after meeting standards for college and career readiness and/or FCC course qualifications. Students who wish to enroll in more than four courses per school year will be required to seek special approval and may be responsible for tuition and fees for additional Open Campus courses.
For additional information and responses to frequently asked questions, please see here.