Upper Darby explores district-supported dual-enrollment models with NEON and Delaware County Community College

Upper Darby School District staff presented two district-supported dual-enrollment options designed to expand college-credit opportunities for high-school students while reducing family cost barriers.

James Finch framed the discussion around three factors that will determine cost and scale: student participation, course mix, and delivery model. Finch emphasized the district will not finalize costs until student interest is measured during the course-selection cycle; any implementation planning will be data-driven for the 2026'27 school year.

NEON (National Education Opportunity Network) presented a blended model in which university courses (from partner four-year institutions) are embedded in high-school classrooms. Steve Sandak, NEON's chief growth and data officer, described a co-teaching arrangement: a local high-school teacher facilitates class sessions, students watch recorded college lectures, and a university teaching fellow joins via Zoom for weekly synchronous small-group work. NEON reported an 80% pass rate among participating students and said districts typically pay the per-student course fee from local or Title funds rather than passing costs to families.

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) outlined three models: open dual enrollment (students enroll independently), college-in-high-school (local faculty hired as adjuncts), and structured pathways (cohorts aligned to certificates or associate degrees). Isabel Wadlow, DCCC admissions manager, said structured pathways can deliver between 24 and up to 62—64 college credits (some students may complete an associate degree by high school graduation) and that some pathway seats are grant-funded; she cited a discounted tuition rate for Upper Darby open-dual-enrollment students.

Board members asked about modality and supports for students with IEPs; presenters said DCCC offers disability services and NEON partners with local counselors and teachers to enable accommodations. The board also discussed class-size constraints: NEON's maximum is about 30 students and the district typically does not run classes below roughly 25, so planners will match offerings to enrollment thresholds or partner with neighboring districts to meet cohort minimums.

Finch said next steps are collaborative planning with NEON and DCCC, professional development for guidance staff (led by Finch), parent information nights, and gauging student demand during course selection to develop precise cost estimates and an implementation plan for 2026'27.