What should the principal newsletter say when announcing a dual enrollment program?

Explain what dual enrollment is in plain language, describe which courses are available, state the eligibility criteria, and tell families what the process looks like from inquiry to enrollment. Include a contact person and a deadline. Families who have never encountered dual enrollment need more context than families at schools with established programs.

How do I explain the cost benefits of dual enrollment in the newsletter?

Be specific. 'Each dual enrollment course earns up to four college credits. At most colleges and universities, these credits transfer and save students the cost of one course -- typically $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the institution.' Concrete savings numbers change the conversation from 'interesting option' to 'real value.'

How do I encourage students who may not think of themselves as college-bound to consider dual enrollment?

Write directly to them in the newsletter. 'Dual enrollment is not only for students planning to attend a four-year university. Community college credits are accepted by many trade and technical programs. Taking even one dual enrollment course builds confidence and demonstrates capability.' Inclusive framing opens doors that narrow framing closes.

What timeline should the newsletter communicate for dual enrollment applications?

State the application deadline clearly, the date students will know if they are accepted, and when the course begins. Also note whether placement testing is required and when testing is offered. Families planning around sports, work, and other commitments need this timeline as early as possible.

How can Daystage help communicate dual enrollment details to families?

Daystage lets you attach the full eligibility guide as a PDF while including a clear summary in the newsletter body. For a complex program like dual enrollment, the combination of a quick overview and a detailed reference document serves families with different levels of prior knowledge.

Announcing Your Dual Enrollment Program in the

Dual enrollment is one of the most underutilized opportunities in high school education -- often because families do not know it exists, do not know their child is eligible, or assume it is only for students who are already exceptional. A well-written principal newsletter can change that. One clear announcement, reaching every family in the school, can change a student's trajectory.

Define Dual Enrollment in Plain Language

Not every family knows what dual enrollment means. Define it immediately. "Dual enrollment allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses while still enrolled in high school. Students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Courses are taught on our campus by college-credentialed instructors." That definition takes three sentences. It should appear in every newsletter that mentions the program until it is genuinely well-known in your community.

Name the Specific Courses Available

Families cannot get excited about "dual enrollment courses" in the abstract. Name what is on offer. "This year, students can enroll in English Composition, College Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, and Macroeconomics -- all offered on our campus as dual enrollment sections." Specific course names let students and families envision what participation actually means. It converts a policy into a tangible choice.

State Eligibility Criteria Clearly

Families who assume dual enrollment is only for students with a 4.0 will never inquire. State the actual criteria. "To enroll, students need a 2.75 GPA or higher, a qualifying PSAT or placement test score, and a recommendation from a teacher or counselor." If the bar is lower than families assume, say so explicitly. "Many students who were nervous about dual enrollment have been successful. If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, schedule a conversation with your counselor."

A Template Dual Enrollment Announcement

Here is a section that works:

"Dual Enrollment applications for the 2026-27 school year are open through March 15. Dual enrollment allows juniors and seniors to earn real college credit -- accepted by most four-year and two-year institutions -- while still in high school. This year's course offerings: English Composition, College Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, and Spanish III. Eligibility: 2.75 GPA, faculty recommendation, placement score confirmation. Interested? Attend our information session on February 18 at 6:00 PM in the library, or contact your school counselor directly. Every seat filled in a dual enrollment class is a student starting college ahead."

Make the Cost Savings Concrete

For many families, cost is the first concern about college. Dual enrollment addresses it directly -- but only if you say so. "Each dual enrollment course earns three to four college credits. Community colleges charge approximately $400 per credit. Four-year institutions average $1,500. That means each course your child completes now is $1,200 to $6,000 in savings when they enroll in college." Numbers make the case. Phrases like "great value" do not.

Address the Rigor Concern

Some families worry that their child will be overwhelmed. Acknowledge this and provide real information. "Dual enrollment courses are genuine college-level work. Students should expect more reading and independent work than a typical high school class. That said, your child will have their high school teacher and counselor as support while taking the course. Most students who complete one dual enrollment course are more confident about college than they were before."

Invite All Students, Not Just the Top Academic Tier

Dual enrollment programs often skew toward students who are already succeeding. The newsletter can change that culture. "We especially encourage students who have not considered themselves college-bound to explore this opportunity. One dual enrollment course can shift a student's sense of what is possible for them after high school." That sentence alone may be the most important one in the newsletter for some families.

Name the Next Step and Who to Contact

Every dual enrollment newsletter should end with a clear action. "To apply, pick up a form in the guidance office or download it at the link below. Questions? Contact your school counselor -- every counselor has been briefed on this year's offerings." A clear next step converts interest into action. Without it, families who are interested often wait and miss the deadline.

Announcing Your Dual Enrollment Program in the Principal Newsletter