NNPS expands Dual Enrollment offerings for 2026-2027
Published September 9, 2026
Newport News Public Schools' continued expansion of advanced learning opportunities has significantly increased Dual Enrollment course offerings for the 2026-2027 school year.
A rapidly developing aspect of K-12 education, Dual Enrollment courses allow high school students to earn college credit while still in high school.
Academically qualified eleventh and twelfth grade students take classes at their assigned school to earn high school and college credits simultaneously in partnership with local community colleges at no additional cost.
At the end of last school year, there were more than 700 Dual Enrollment course requests for 2026-2027 from students who had completed the required processes.
"Our expansion of Dual Enrollment is intentional and part of our comprehensive advanced learning plan," said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kipp Rogers. "It is part of our broader strategy to expand access, opportunity, and support to advanced learning and create more opportunities for students to earn college credit before graduation. The growth we are seeing tells us that students and families recognize the value of those opportunities."
NNPS has increased its number of Dual Enrollment certified teachers from five last school year to 32 for this coming year.
NNPS is partnering with higher education institutions Christopher Newport University and Virginia Peninsula Community College to create pathways for teachers to become Dual Enrollment certified. Over the summer, seven NNPS biology teachers who had taken coursework over the past year at CNU completed it to be approved to teach the BIO101/BIO102 course this fall.
Dual Enrollment has numerous benefits for students and families, according to program leaders.
The biggest plus is that college credit is guaranteed at the conclusion of the high school class, with no qualifying exam score required.
Students can earn transferable college credits to Virginia public colleges and universities, allowing them to get a head start on a college degree and lower its tuition costs. Successfully completing rigorous college coursework demonstrates readiness for higher education and can enhance college admissions applications.
Planning for Dual Enrollment begins well before the start of the school year. Students and families interested in participating in future school years should work with their school counselor during the course-selection process to review eligibility requirements, available courses, registration timelines and options that align with the student's diploma plan and postsecondary goals. Course offerings vary by high school.
Dual Enrollment courses can be combined or mixed and matched with Advanced Placement courses. Many students take both types of courses to maximize post-secondary educational opportunities.
"This work is about expanding opportunities for students," Rogers said. "When we increase access to rigorous coursework and remove financial barriers, more students can begin building their postsecondary future while they are still in high school."
