PGCPS expands dual enrollment in high schools; district highlights participation and teacher vetting

Prince George’s County Public Schools told the board on Nov. 13 that it is expanding dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students and is onboarding additional schools and teachers to increase access to tuition-free college courses.

Dr. Olivia Pearson, the district’s College Readiness Supervisor, said the district is on track for at least nine schools to offer 'dual in the school' this year. Pearson named Parkdale, Duval, Gwen Park, Friendly and Surrattsville programs as examples and said Parkdale was onboarded early because a qualified professor was already teaching there. She reported over 115 teachers across comprehensive high schools have expressed interest and that roughly half of eligible students currently participate in dual enrollment; more than 90% of enrolled students receive passing grades.

Pearson described the vetting process with Prince George’s Community College (PGCC): teachers must generally hold a master’s degree in the content area or a master’s with 18 graduate credits in that content to be eligible to serve as adjunct instructors. Courses offered or planned include English, sociology, statistics, philosophy, criminal justice and, forthcoming at Parkdale, a paralegal course.

Board members requested an updated chart showing which schools now offer 'dual in the school' and urged the district to provide a full course list; Pearson said she would follow up with detailed materials and an updated chart.

Why it matters: Dual enrollment can reduce time and cost to degree completion, increase college matriculation and provide rigorous coursework in high school. The district emphasized college-readiness gains and potential economic benefits for families who save on tuition and housing costs.

What’s next: Staff will provide an updated chart of schools and courses and continue vetting teachers and supporting principals as the program expands.