Martin County presentation explains dual enrollment rules, eligibility and risks for high school students

Ms. Friedman, the districts dual enrollment coordinator, told parents on April 10 that dual enrollment lets eligible high school students take Indian River State College (IRSC) courses for free and earn both college and high school credit simultaneously. "It's my absolute dream job because I love working with students and putting together a puzzle for students who are interested in dual enrollment and getting a jump start on their future," she said.

The program is available to students who have at least four high school credits and an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, Ms. Friedman said. Students also must have appropriate placement scores from the PSAT, SAT, ACT, CLT or IRSCs PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test). She noted the PSAT taken in 10th grade can satisfy placement in some subjects and that the first PERT attempt at IRSC is free; subsequent attempts cost $20.

Why this matters: Dual enrollment grades are recorded on a students college transcript and start a college GPA. That means a withdrawal or failing grade can affect both high school and college records and future eligibility for dual enrollment. "When a student withdraws from a class, a W goes on it. Doesn't impact their GPA, but it does go on their transcript," Ms. Friedman said. She added that an F affects GPA and that any future dual enrollment typically…