General Information

Hopewell City Public Schools (HCPS) has partnered with Richard Bland College (RBC) and John Tyler Community College (JTCC) to provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit for courses taken while in high school, at little or no cost for their families.

Richard Bland classes are predominately dual enrolled (DE) and some may be concurrently enrolled (CE). Dual enrollment classes are taught at the high school while concurrent instruction takes place on the college campus. Students earn both high school and college credit for the college courses that they successfully complete, allowing students the ability to earn a college credential at the same time as completing the requirements for a high school diploma. Seniors who successfully complete all of the course requirements for a degree have the option of participating in Richard Bland College's spring commencement program.

Juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a trade skill have the opportunity to earn a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) with JTCC. Click here to see the career and technical programs currently offered. Seniors who successfully complete all of the course requirements for a CSC have the option of participating in John Tyler's spring commencement program.

Research has shown that students who successfully complete substantial dual enrollment courses generally graduate high school on time, and enroll in college at a higher rate than their peers. Participation in the Early College Scholars program can also reduce college costs by shortening the time to earn a degree. Courses are taught by high school instructors who are credentialed to teach on the college level. Some courses are taught by visiting college professors from surrounding institutions. The classes are rigorous and use the same textbooks and curriculum as courses offered on the college campus.

Hopewell has partnered with RBC and JTCC to offer three distinct pathways for students to choose from. Pathway 1, the RBC Academy, is for students who are interested in pursuing an associate degree through Richard Bland College. Students in grades 10-11, who are currently in the Tyler Early College Academy (TECA) will be transitioned to the new RBC Academy and will need to complete RBC application documents. Pathway 1 requires students to complete up to 60 college credits, starting in 10th grade, and is academically challenging. Current seniors graduating in 2021, will earn their degree from John Tyler Community College. Going forward, future participants will earn their degree from Richard Bland College. Rising freshman and sophomores that are interested in being part of the RBC Academy are encouraged to apply.

The Pathway 2 option is for students interested in taking just a few dual enrollment classes. The dual enrollment classes are offered through Richard Bland College and students will be placed in the same classes along with students who opted for Pathway 1. This is a good option for students who wish to get ahead by taking a few college classes but are not interested in taking on the commitment of the full associate degree program. This option is open to rising juniors and seniors.

Pathway 3, the Tyler CTE Academy allows students interested in pursuing a Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathway to begin concurrent technical classes through JTCC starting in 11th grade. Students taking concurrent CTE classes receive both college and high school credit for the courses that they successfully complete. Students have the option of earning a Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in HVAC, Industrial Electricity, Mechanical Maintenance, Precision Machining, or Welding, at the same time as earning their high school diploma. JTCC also offers an Early Childhood Education CSC. This option is open to rising juniors and seniors.

Students participating in the Tyler CTE Academy report to the high school in the morning and are transported to the JTCC Chester campus to take classes. Participants return to the HS by lunch, to finish out the day. Depending upon the option chosen, students starting CTE classes in their junior year may complete a CSC. Students starting as seniors have the option of taking a few CTE classes and completing the CSC at JTCC after they graduate.

HCPS can not guarantee that all courses or programs will be available each year, or that all students will achieve a post-secondary credential, as the loss of a credentialed faculty member may prevent a course from being offered. Students always have the option of taking additional college courses online or on campus at their own cost.

Students are encouraged to meet with their counselor to discuss their course plans.

Please contact HHS with any questions regarding acceptance into the program, the application process, or any other concerns.

RBC will not be able to respond to these questions. Phone: 804-541-6402 or email ECS@hopewell.k12.va.us