Early College Courses

Link to Early College Courses Available

Students have the opportunity to take classes that count toward college credit while still enrolled in high school.  There are four types of courses that provide these opportunities: transition, articulated/advanced standing credit, Advanced Placement (AP), and dual credit.  Below is a description of each opportunity. For more information, please contact your high school counselor.

All of these opportunities are provided to help you accomplish several outcomes: (1) Stand out in college admissions, (2) earn college credit, (3) skip introductory college-level classes, (4) build college skills, and in some cases, (5) prepare you to earn a certification.

Early College Courses are weighted for GPA purposes and are calculated on a 5.0 scale. Many colleges and universities have reported to the school district that they "unweight" GPAs for admissions and scholarships. However, some colleges and universities do not have unweighted GPAs, and most private scholarship grantees do not have unweighted GPAs. Please discuss admission processes with the admissions offices of colleges and universities you are investigating for more information.   

Early College Credits through Community College

Students may take approved courses at select postsecondary institutions to receive college credit and credit toward high school graduation at the same time. Students must meet the college/university entrance requirements. There are two types of Early College Credit students can earn while in high school: Articulated and Dual credit. 

Community College Partnerships

District 100 has partnered with Rock Valley College to provide students access to Articulated and Dual Credit courses in the following course pathways:

• Automotive

• Business

• Education

• Health Sciences (EMT)

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades, and Technology

• Welding

District 100 has partnered with Highland Community College to provide students access to Dual Credit courses in the following course pathways:

• Agriculture

Articulated Credit

Articulated Credit or Advanced Standing Credit is awarded if you successfully complete a course while in high school AND complete additional coursework at the community college that meets the requirements for the program in which you were enrolled.  College credit is awarded for an articulated course when a companion follow-up course is completed successfully at a later date. While college credit is not awarded upon completion of an articulated/advanced standing credit course, you will receive high school credit upon completion of the course.  

Dual Credit

When a dual credit course is offered on a Belvidere campus through a college partnership, students sign up through the regular course selection process in the winter. Tuition, fees, and books are provided by the district. School counselors automatically apply high school credit for the course and communicate grades with the partnering college. 

When a dual credit course is not offered on a Belvidere campus, students may elect to take a dual credit course on the college campus. A formal application must be completed and approved by the student's school counselor and the building principal each semester a student takes a dual credit class on a college campus to be considered for high school credit. Tuition, fees, transportation, and books are the responsibility of the student and their family. A transcript from the college/university must be submitted to the school counselor at least ten days before graduation or within one month of completion of the course, whichever is applicable.  District 100 offers two types of dual credit classes: 

• In-house classes: These classes are taught by District 100 teachers in our buildings

• Off-Campus classes:  These classes are taught by Rock Valley College staff at the Advanced Technology Center or Rock Valley College. (Note: This does not include the Running Start courses.)

A grade received in a dual credit course will show on a college transcript.

Rock Valley College’s Dual Credit Course Requirements

• Students must have a 2.0 Grade Point Avera (GPA) at the start of the school year they are taking the course. 

  • Students not meeting this requirement must take the English (Writing) Accuplacer exam and score a 227. 

  • Students enrolled in the EMT class must take the Math (QAS) Accuplacer exam and score a 227.

Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes approved by the AP College Board to be taught in high school. Students who enroll in AP courses are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exams that are administered through the high school and scored by the AP College Board.  Performance on the AP Exam will determine if a student is eligible to be awarded college credits. Illinois public universities recognize 3 or higher on the AP exam for college credit.  Other colleges/universities have their own policy on advanced placement and the issuing of credit. If a student does not pass the test, it does not appear on a college transcript.

Participation in an AP course:  

• Prepares students for college success, including improved GPAs, more credit hours earned, increased likelihood of remaining in college after freshman year, and increased likelihood of graduating in 4 years.  

• These courses typically involve more homework since class time is more focused on active participation: discussion, labs, debates, etc.  

• May require summer reading or assignments to prepare for starting the course. 

• Students are required to pay $15 per AP exam in testing fees. Financial assistance is available to students with financial need. 

• Make-up exams follow AP College Board regulations, including a fee for late testing. 

Proficiency Credit for AP & CLEP Tests

Students can earn proficiency credit for a course they have not taken if they earn a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement test or a score that meets the credit requirement provided by the American Council on Education (ACE)  on a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test.  

Students who earn proficiency credit through an AP or CLEP test will receive credit on their transcript for the course with a grade of P (Pass), and the credit will not impact the student's grade point average.