What is dual enrollment, and what could it mean for my student?

Dual enrollment gives eligible high school students the opportunity to take college courses before graduating from high school. Students remain enrolled at CHCA while also enrolling in a college. Approved courses can earn college credit and CHCA high school elective credit at the same time.

For example, a student might take an introductory course in a field they are interested in exploring. The college instructor provides assignments, deadlines, and grades. That grade becomes part of the student’s official college record and, for coursework approved for CHCA credit, their high school transcript.

Dual enrollment can help students explore interests, experience college-level expectations, and begin earning credits that may apply toward a future degree. It is optional and does not replace CHCA’s required core courses.
Families do not need to make this decision when their student first enters high school. Our team is happy to explain the options and help families consider whether, and when, dual enrollment would be a good fit.


Is dual enrollment required?
Students may begin exploring independent dual enrollment opportunities in 10th grade, subject to the college’s admission requirements. College eligibility and grant eligibility are separate from CHCA’s participation guidelines.

Within CHCA’s full-time schedule, dedicated coursework time begins in second semester of junior year for students choosing an approved dual enrollment course as their elective. Seniors will also have dedicated on-campus work time.
Students participating through CHCA must meet school approval requirements and remain in good academic, behavioral, and financial standing.

Why does CHCA partner with Bryan College, and can students use APSU?

CHCA has intentionally partnered with Bryan College because of its alignment with our Christian philosophy of education and biblical worldview. Our partnership with families begins with a commitment to provide a distinctively Christian education, and we want the college opportunities we offer to support that foundation.

We also recognize that APSU’s location here in Clarksville makes it a valuable option for families. CHCA can consider courses through APSU or another institution for inclusion in a student’s CHCA academic plan, subject to prior approval.
Independent summer courses are a family’s decision. Families seeking CHCA elective credit for a summer course should contact our coordinator before registering to confirm whether the course will qualify.

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What are the admission requirements for Bryan College and APSU?

Each college establishes its own requirements, and individual courses may have additional prerequisites.
Bryan College: Bryan currently lists a minimum 3.0 GPA for juniors and seniors. Students must apply, provide the required high school transcript, and receive acceptance before registering. Math courses may require additional prerequisites or placement documentation.

APSU: APSU’s standard dual enrollment pathway lists a minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA OR a 21 ACT composite score. School and parent authorization and course-specific prerequisites or placement requirements also apply.

APSU has a separate Academically Talented pathway for freshmen and sophomores. Families considering enrollment before junior year should contact APSU for the applicable requirements.

Grace Pisano can help families identify the requirements for their student and proposed courses.

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Are college admission, CHCA approval, and grant eligibility the same thing when a student is considering applying for dual enrollment?

No. These are three separate requirements:

• College admission determines whether a student may enroll and which courses they qualify to take.

• CHCA approval determines whether coursework can be included in the student’s CHCA academic plan, receive CHCA credit, or be completed during designated school-day periods.

• Grant eligibility determines whether the student qualifies for state financial assistance.

Approval in one area does not automatically establish eligibility in the others.

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How does a student begin the dual enrollment process?

Begin with Grace Pisano, High School Academic Coach and College Counselor, before registering for a course that will be part of the student’s CHCA academic plan.
Grace will help families explore academic readiness, college eligibility, course options, scheduling, and costs. She works with the Upper School Principal on administrative approval and graduation requirements.
For courses included in CHCA’s program, students must complete the Dual Enrollment Request and Approval Form and provide a course description or syllabus for review before registration.

Families independently choosing summer courses are welcome to seek guidance. If they want the course to receive CHCA credit, they should confirm approval and transcript treatment before enrolling.

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Why does CHCA require course approval?

Our partnership with families begins with our commitment to provide a distinctively Christian education. When college coursework becomes part of a student’s CHCA academic plan—including an online course completed on our campus—it becomes part of the educational experience we are helping guide.
Reviewing courses allows us to consider their content, academic expectations, and alignment with CHCA’s mission, beliefs, and Philosophy of Christian Education. It also helps us confirm that coursework fits the student’s schedule and supports academic growth.

We welcome opportunities for students to explore their interests and engage thoughtfully with different ideas through a biblical worldview. Our approval process helps us pursue these opportunities with care while remaining faithful to the education families have chosen at Chapel Hill.

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Can dual enrollment replace a required CHCA class?

No. Dual enrollment courses do not replace the foundational core courses listed in CHCA’s High School Course Outline.
For example, a summer college algebra course does not exempt a student from taking required Algebra II at CHCA. The college course would be additional coursework.

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Can dual enrollment courses count as high school electives?

Yes. Each successfully completed dual enrollment class approved for CHCA credit earns 0.5 high school elective credit.
The college separately determines the college semester hours awarded. A three- or four-semester-hour college course does not automatically earn a full high school credit.

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When can students take dual enrollment courses?

Students may independently pursue college courses during the summer, fall, or spring, subject to the college’s requirements. Courses included in CHCA’s academic program require prior school approval.
Dual enrollment adds to a student’s existing high school workload. We encourage families to consider graduation requirements, clubs, athletics, extracurricular activities, employment, rest, and other commitments before adding college courses.

Our heart is for students to be fully present in their high school experience—building friendships, participating in school life, growing spiritually, and enjoying opportunities to lead, serve, and belong.
Our teachers and Upper School team are happy to share classroom observations about study habits, time management, independence, and readiness for additional coursework. We want to help families choose a manageable load that supports academic growth and a rich high school experience.

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How do asynchronous dual enrollment courses work?

The college instructor posts assignments, readings, recorded lectures, and other materials online. Students complete and submit their work digitally by the instructor’s deadlines.
There are no regularly scheduled live class meetings, but students must manage their time, check college communications, and keep up with course requirements.
Some work can be completed during designated CHCA periods. Students should also expect to complete coursework outside school hours.

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Can students take online or in-person college classes?

During the school year, CHCA’s dual enrollment opportunities will be limited to asynchronous online courses. Students will not leave CHCA to attend in-person college classes.
Summer courses are at the family’s discretion and may include in-person options if the student meets the college’s requirements. Families seeking CHCA credit should confirm course approval before registering.
As interest grows, CHCA may explore additional options for college courses taught on our campus.

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How will college courses fit around CHCA’s schedule?

Because CHCA’s school-year dual enrollment courses are asynchronous, students do not need to arrange their CHCA schedule around Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday college meetings.
Students work within designated school-day periods and outside school hours to meet the college instructor’s deadlines. Families should confirm any scheduled testing requirements before registration.
College calendars and deadlines may differ from CHCA’s calendar. Students remain responsible for their college coursework during school breaks.

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When will students have school-day time for dual enrollment?

Beginning in second semester of junior year, students choosing an approved dual enrollment course as their elective will receive two 70-minute blocks each week to work on coursework at CHCA.
Other junior-year classes remain required for graduation. Work that cannot be completed during those blocks must be completed outside school hours.
Seniors will also have dedicated on-campus time within their schedules. The amount of time to complete dual enrollment work on campus will vary for each student depending on their desire to enroll in externships, in-person math courses and other electives. School-day work time should not be the only time students plan to devote to college coursework.

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Can students take dual enrollment courses during the summer?

Yes. Summer enrollment is a family’s decision, subject to the college’s admission requirements and course prerequisites.
Summer can be a helpful opportunity to experience college coursework, but courses may move at a faster pace. Families should consider travel, employment, and other commitments.
Grace Pisano is happy to help families review options. Contact her before registering if the student wants the course considered for CHCA elective credit.

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Who teaches and grades dual enrollment courses?

The college instructor is responsible for instruction, communication, grading, the syllabus, and course expectations.
CHCA provides support and designated on-campus work time beginning in second semester of junior year. Students remain responsible for checking communications, meeting deadlines, and completing assignments.

 

How many dual enrollment courses can a student take?

The number of courses a student pursues is a family decision, within the college’s enrollment limits. Courses included in CHCA’s academic program must receive school approval.
We encourage families to consider the student’s existing workload and outside commitments. A manageable summer schedule may look different from a fall schedule that includes athletics or other activities.
College maximums and available grant funding should not be treated as a recommended workload. Grace and our Upper School team are happy to help families consider an appropriate starting point.

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Will dual enrollment credits transfer to another college?

The receiving college determines whether credits transfer and how they apply toward a degree. Transfer credit may satisfy an elective without fulfilling a requirement for the student’s intended major.
Families should check with prospective colleges before selecting courses. They may also ask whether ACT-based placement or credit opportunities affect which courses would be most useful.

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Why does CHCA offer dual enrollment rather than AP courses?

CHCA currently offers dual enrollment as a pathway for students ready to pursue college-level coursework beyond our required high school classes.
AP courses follow a College Board curriculum and typically lead to an AP exam. Colleges determine whether an exam score qualifies for credit. Dual enrollment courses are actual college classes, with college credit earned through successful completion. Transfer and degree application depend on the receiving college.
Dual enrollment allows CHCA to expand academic options while continuing to invest in our core program, Honors coursework, and distinctly Christian high school experience. Our Bryan College partnership also supports our Christian philosophy of education and biblical worldview.

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Have CHCA students already participated in dual enrollment?

Yes. Several students in CHCA’s Hybrid program have participated in asynchronous dual enrollment courses through Bryan College, including math, English, and psychology.
Students have shared positive feedback about the workload and the support Bryan provides. As designated dual enrollment opportunities are introduced into the full-time high school schedule, CHCA is building on that experience and continuing to guide students and families.