Participating in acceleration courses and programs may save students time and money since they are able to earn academic credit that may apply toward postsecondary degree/certificate requirements. Furthermore, because Florida law exempts high school students from paying tuition for acceleration courses, exams, and instructional materials, these programs offer considerable cost savings to students and families. If students apply the academic credits earned through the various acceleration program options toward degree requirements, they may graduate more quickly from colleges and universities.  Sarasota County Schools offers accelerated coursework sequences to all students who meet the necessary requirements: Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), Advanced Placement (AP), Career & Technical Education (CTE), Dual Enrollment (DE), and International Baccalaureate (IB). For more information on Accelerated Coursework programs and courses, contact a SCHOOL COUNSELOR or School Administrator.

Dual Enrollment is defined as the enrollment of an eligible secondary student in a post-secondary course creditable toward a vocational certificate or an associate or baccalaureate degree. The articulation agreement with the post-secondary institution defines the rules for enrollment and participation.  Students may earn high school and college credit simultaneously by enrolling in approved Dual Enrollment courses as specified in the articulation agreements between the School Board of Sarasota County and other accredited post- secondary institutions. Students must take a college credit course worth 3 college credit hours to equal one-half of a high school credit.  The State of Florida publishes a dual enrollment equivalency list that states the high school credits earned when taking a specific dual enrollment course.   Students are expected to adhere to all deadlines and Dual Enrollment requirements published by participating colleges and universities.

Dual Enrollment credits may affect a student’s application status and the number of credit hours available in the lower division program of some colleges and universities.  Students may take Dual Enrollment courses during school hours, after school hours, and during the summer term as defined by the articulation agreement with the post-secondary institution.

Students seeking to take career and technical education dual enrollment courses must demonstrate readiness for technical level coursework and have a 2.0 unweighted cumulative GPA for technical credit certificate Dual Enrollment courses.

The maximum course load for Dual Enrollment students will be governed by the current articulation agreement with the post-secondary institutions that is awarding the course credit. Sarasota County adheres to the drop/add procedures and timelines outlined in the Board approved articulation agreements with local post-secondary institutions.

High school students who withdraw after the academic withdrawal deadline or who earn a final grade of a D or a F will not be permitted to enroll in additional dual enrollment courses the following semester. The student who withdraws after the academic withdrawal deadline will receive the grade issued by the college or university, as outlined in the Sarasota County School Board-approved articulation agreement.

Click here for Dual Enrollment and Articulation Agreements

For more information on College Preparation, contact a School Counselor or School Administrator.