JCPS, JCTC Offering Free Dual Credit Classes to Students

More virtual course offerings create opportunities for juniors and seniors

With more technology resources in the hands of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) families than ever before, JCPS is encouraging students to take advantage of dual-credit opportunities and earn college credit while completing their high school coursework.

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we can use technology to break down barriers and be truly innovative about how we provide learning experiences to our students,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. “After a year and a half of working to ensure broad access to technology and connectivity, our students are in a better position than ever to take full advantage of these opportunities.”

Those prospects include opportunities for dual credit—credit that goes toward a student’s high school requirements while also earning them college credit. Under a partnership with Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), JCPS students can earn up to six hours of college credit through dual-credit programs at no cost to them.

JCTC President Ty Handy speaks at news conference

“National data shows that students who participate in dual-credit classes persist and succeed in college at a much higher rate than those students who don’t,” JCTC President Ty Handy said. “Expanding dual-credit opportunities at JCPS will undoubtedly improve student success and college readiness, and we are excited to be a partner in this effort.”

Dr. Pollio encouraged parents and guardians to talk to their children about the opportunity for dual-credit classes. Students who want to sign up for dual-credit programs should contact their school counselor. The deadline for students to make their decision for the fall semester is Aug. 4. Two thousand JCPS juniors and seniors were enrolled in dual credit classes last year.

“This is a really great opportunity for our students to capitalize on what’s available to them in a way that they haven’t had access to in the past,” Dr. Pollio said.

In addition, JCPS high school students will have even more opportunities to take career-related courses that interest them, regardless of what school they attend. Starting this school year, students who want to take Advanced Placement (AP) or Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses that aren’t offered at their high school will be able to take the course virtually at new online virtual hubs set up at each high school. The hubs will house state-of-the-art equipment and technology to support the course experience.

“These new, in-school technology hubs and expanded virtual class options will give high-schoolers even more avenues to broaden their educational experiences,” Pollio said, “no matter where they go to school.”