Through formal agreements with local colleges and universities, WWHS students can
take college courses to simultaneously earn credit at both the high school and
postsecondary institutions at a reduced cost. Concurrent enrollment are college
courses that are approved by the postsecondary institutions to be taught at the high
school, by a high school teacher whose credentials are reviewed and approved by the
postsecondary institution. Dual enrollment courses are part of the postsecondary
institution’s regular schedule and are taught by a college professor on the college
campus.
These concurrent/dual options are designed for highly motivated RI high school
students, typically juniors and seniors, who seek rigorous academic challenge and want
to get a head start on college. The primary benefit of early college access opportunities
is a decrease in the time and expense of obtaining a college degree. Furthermore,
research shows that students who take college classes while still in high school are less
likely to be placed in remedial coursework, are more likely to enroll and stay in college
and complete a degree on time. Students receive an official college transcript upon
completion of the coursework. Therefore if students drop the course after the deadline
or receive a failing grade, it may impact their financial aid and/or GPA during college in
the future.
The Rhode Island Dual Enrollment Fund will provide funding for all qualified students to
participate in dual and concurrent enrollment courses at no cost to students and
families. Students must contribute all the cost of any materials that are needed for dual
enrollment programming. No low-income student, as defined by the Rhode Island
Department of Education (RIDE), shall be denied access to concurrent/dual enrollment
coursework based on their ability to pay course related fees. Students may qualify for
financial assistance through the “Prepare RI Initiative” and can obtain more information
on the RIDE website. Students and/or families are responsible for scheduling and
transportation for dual enrollment coursework at a postsecondary institution. Eligible
students with disabilities will be provided with appropriate accommodations.
Students who are interested in Early College Access options should speak to their
guidance counselor who can provide information, as well as provide the name and
contact information on the WWHS faculty member who coordinates each program.
Information about each specific program is contained in the WWHS Program of Studies,
which is available at the school or online on the school website. Additionally, academic
and financial information governed by the college/university about each program,
including guidelines, eligibility, criteria, credit acceptance, and financial assistance is
available in the Program of Studies and on the website of the sponsoring post-
secondary institution. WWHS distributes written information and holds an assembly
each fall for students interested in these programs. Further, each year guidance counselors meet with students in the scheduling process to provide information for them
and their families regarding concurrent/dual enrollment options. The sponsoring
postsecondary institutions provide WWHS with course rosters, grades assigned, and
transcripts to track student enrollment in and completion of dual/concurrent coursework.
Results are printed on WWHS student transcripts.
Eligibility criteria for Concurrent Enrollment opportunities are available in our Program of
Studies and on the website of each participating institution.
Eligibility criteria for Dual Enrollment opportunities:
● Principal and guidance counselor approval
● Parent approval
● Attendance and conduct history will be considered
● A minimum GPA of 3.0
● Junior or Senior Level Status
● Any other criteria required by the sponsoring postsecondary institution
Early College Access Opportunities available at WWHS include:
Early Enrollment Program (EEP): Juniors and seniors take honors courses in various
subject at WWHS and earn transferrable college credits through Rhode Island College.
(Concurrent Enrollment)
Early Credit High School Program: Juniors and seniors take courses at WWHS and
earn transferrable college credits through the University of Rhode Island (URI Writing).
(Concurrent Enrollment)
Project Running Start: Qualified seniors may complete their final year of high school as
a full-time student at Community College of RI. (Dual Enrollment)
High School Enrichment Program: For enrichment purposes, students can earn six (6)
college credits per semester at Community College of RI which may be accepted at
WWHS for courses that are not available at the high school. (Dual Enrollment)
Project Access: Qualified seniors may complete their final year of high school as a full-
time student at Johnson & Wales University. (Dual Enrollment)