MCPS and NRCC Policy Information
MCPS and NRCC Policy Information
MCPS defines courses taken at NRCC (either on-line or in-person) as "External Courses." NRCC defines these courses as "Independent Dual Enrollment." Each school within Montgomery County may have their own external course enrollment process.; however, all students must follow MCPS policy prior to taking an external course. Parents and students should review the MCPS High School Program of Studies as well as MCPS Policy 7-2.4 to learn more about the MCPS Policy on external courses, and should also discuss the requirements and expectations with the principal and/or school counselor.
After reviewing the MCPS External Course policy, your next step is to review the FAQ for Independent Dual Enrollment at NRCC document. This document reviews eligibility requirements at NRCC, enrollment steps, tuition costs, payment options, expectations at NRCC, and resources available to you at NRCC.
If you want these courses listed on your BHS transcript (and included in your high school GPA), you will also need to complete the MCPS External Course Form request for approval. It is important to note the limitations on external courses and the limitations on the total number of high school credits that can be earned annually. MCPS Policy states that students can earn 1 high school credit for a minimum of 6 college/university semester hours in a single subject area. To view the full policy, including grade submission, see the MCPS High School Program of Studies.
If you choose not to have the external course listed on your high school transcript, you will need to send your NRCC transcript, along with your BHS transcript, when applying to colleges. You can find NRCC transcript request instructions here. Instructions are also available on the on the FAQ for Independent Dual Enrollment at NRCC document mentioned above.
After reviewing the MCPS External Course policy as well as NRCC's Independent Dual Enrollment Information, your next steps at BHS are listed below:
Sign and return the Parent Signature Form for Independent Dual Enrollment to your school counselor or to Mrs. Webster
Tell Mrs. Webster the course you plan to take and the semester you plan to take it
Mrs. Webster will request the principal permission letter from Mr. Stewart, indicating the course name and number
Mrs. Webster will submit the signed principal permission letter and signed Parent Signature Form for Independent Dual Enrollment (see above) to the NRCC admissions office
Mrs. Webster will notify the student upon enrollment
Upon enrollment, the student should follow the steps in the FAQ for Independent Dual Enrollment at NRCC document to pay for the course and order books
payment plans are available - see the NRCC Payment page
Classes will be available to access in Canvas on the first day of class each semester. You must know your NRCC log-in credentials to access an online course in Canvas. If you do not have this information, please contact Mrs. Webster or the NRCC admissions office at 540-674-3603.