Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Early College Dual Enrollment Program?

Early College is a carefully planned program of dual enrollment that allows students on track for graduation to begin earning college credit while still in high school.  Participation in the program allows students to take a full schedule of college courses and work toward earning their Associate of Arts degree while still in high school. The college credits earned will be counted for both high school graduation credit and an AA degree at Daytona State College.  

Who is eligible to participate?

The Early College West Program is open to juniors and seniors from Pine Ridge, Deltona, DeLand, and University high schools.  As of July 1, 2010, students must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative unweighted GPA, and the student must meet one of the following minimum score requirements for entrance in Reading, Writing, and Math:

Where will classes be held?

Students start their day at their home high school with their first and second period classes.  They then travel to the DeLand campus of Daytona State College for their Early College classes.  First year courses are offered in the Early College building and second year courses are taken out on the regular campus.

What courses will be offered?

The courses for the standard Early College 1^st  year are:

Fall semester courses:

1. English Comp. / ENC 1101– 3 semester hours (1 credit)
2. American History / AMH 2010 – 3 semester hours (.5 credit)
3. Intermediate Algebra / MAT 1033 – 4 semester hours (.5 credit) or  College Algebra / MAC 1105 – 3 semester hours (1.0 credit)

4.   Student Success / SLS 1122 – 3 semester hours (.5 credit)

Spring semester courses:

1. English Lit. / ENC 1102 - 3 semester hours (1 credit)
2. American History / AMH 2020  –   3 semester hours (.5 credit)
3. College Algebra / MAC 1105 or Statistics / STA 2023 – 3 semester hours (1 credit)
4. Speech / SPC 2608 – 3 semester hours (.5 credit

Early College 2^nd year courses:

Students will work with DSC Academic Advisors to develop their schedules for their second year.  Students will enroll in courses that meet AA degree requirements and prerequisites at the university level.  Students may customize their DSC schedules according to their intended major at the university level. 

What will my schedule look like?

College courses begin at 10:00 AM and the last course of the day is over at 2:20 PM. Courses are 1 hour and 20 minutes in length, and they are offered on Monday / Wednesday and Tuesday / Thursday.  No Early College courses are offered on Fridays.  Although the campus is open on Fridays, students are not required to report to the college campus. 

How are students evaluated?

Students are held to DSC grading policies and the individual grading criteria for each professor.  Students receive semester grades, not 9 week grades, for their college courses.  It’s important to note that students do not receive Progress Reports for their college courses.  It is the responsibility of each student to track their progress and meet with their professors to clarify any grading issues.   

A grade of “C” is a passing grade at the college level.  Students who do not receive passing grades will be allowed to take dual enrolled courses on the regular campus with the following stipulations: 1. Student must retake and pass the failed course the following semester.  2. Student is restricted to enrolling in only 2 college courses the following semester.

What if I begin the program and decide it’s not for me?

Students have the ability to withdraw without penalty up until the mid-point of each semester.  Students who are enrolled in the Early College program are expected to remain enrolled in all four of the core offerings.

What is the cost of the program?

Early College is FREE to the student.  Both tuition and textbook costs are covered for students in Volusia County.  Students are expected to provide their own transportation to the college campus. 

Are Early College students permitted to participate in home school activities?

Early College students will have the opportunity to participate in high school activities that take place after their college courses.  This will allow students to remain a part of their home high school and to easily participate in after-school activities.  However, students are not automatically released for high school activities that take place during scheduled college classes.  It is the responsibility of the student to discuss any absence from their college courses directly with their professors. 

How many college credits can be earned?

Students will have the opportunity to earn 24 college credits with a full year’s participation in Early College.  Students who enter the program as juniors have the opportunity to work toward earning their Associate of Arts degree (60 credits) prior to graduating from high school.  Students who wish to complete their AA degree will need to take additional summer courses, or they may enroll in evening courses to meet AA requirements. 

What if I have more questions?

Students should meet with their high school counselor for more information.  In addition, students and parents are urged to visit www.daytonastate.edu/advising/deaeandged.html for specific dual enrollment and Early College information.