Board backs early‑college pathway with Virginia Western; approves new courses and a comprehensive Program of Studies

Franklin County School Board members heard a multi‑part proposal Jan. 13 to expand dual‑enrollment and create an early‑college pathway in partnership with Virginia Western Community College and to publish a unified, preK–12 Program of Studies for the district.

Early college framework Superintendent Eversstreet and high‑school leaders explained a two‑track approach: students who complete 61 college credit hours identified in a mapped plan would receive an associate’s degree when they graduate from Franklin County High School; students who complete a 33‑credit early college certificate would leave with one year of college completed. The proposal relies on dual‑enrollment courses taught either by Virginia Western faculty or by qualified district teachers with college‑approved credentials.

Teacher credentialing and pilot training District staff said they had recruited credentialing opportunities for teachers. The district partnered with Hollins University (a graduate course pathway) and secured places for roughly 11 district teachers to pursue graduate‑level content hours to meet Virginia Western dual‑enrollment requirements (master’s degree plus 18 graduate content hours). Staff expect more teachers to seek credentials and said the program would phase in to allow staffing and scheduling adjustments.

Program of Studies and new courses Curriculum staff presented a consolidated Program of Studies (preK–12) intended to provide families a single reference for course sequences, prerequisites, AP/dual‑enrollment designations and credentials. The board voted to approve the new Program of Studies and several new or aligned courses necessary for the early college pathway, including: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SDV), Principles of Public Speaking, Introduction to Digital Literacy/Computer Applications and an orientation/college transition course. The board also approved several middle‑school adjustments (World Geography as a high‑school credit for 8th graders, adding French I at the middle school and a Health & Medical Sciences exploratory course) to align with state expectations and the early‑college path.

Why it matters If implemented, the early college pathway would allow participating students to graduate high school with substantial college credit (up to an associate’s degree) at no direct cost to families when delivered on the high‑school campus by district staff with approved credentials. District leaders said eligible students who complete the full pathway would enter four‑year colleges with junior standing or transfer credits to other institutions under community‑college matriculation agreements.

Board action and timeline The board approved the Program of Studies and the listed new courses at the Jan. 13 meeting. Staff said the pathway would be phased in; students graduating in 2026–27 or later are the expected beneficiaries depending on credentialing and scheduling. Staff will continue aligning textbooks, college approvals and counselor advising and will return with implementation details and summer course offerings as needed.