Superintendent Dual Enrollment Newsletter: College Credit for Students
Dual enrollment is one of the most concrete ways a school district can help students reduce the cost of college and get a head start on post-secondary education. Many eligible families do not know this opportunity exists, or they assume it is only for the most advanced students. A well-written newsletter changes both of those assumptions.
Explain What Dual Enrollment Is
Start with the basics. "Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school. Students earn college credit that can transfer to most four-year universities and community colleges. Courses are typically free to students. Classes can be taken on a college campus, at the high school, or online."
That four-sentence explanation gives families everything they need to understand what they are being invited to consider. Do not bury it in details about transfer agreements or course equivalencies. Lead with the clear value: free college credits, in high school.
Name Your College Partners
Tell families which college or colleges are partners in the program. "Our dual enrollment program operates through a partnership with Mesa Community College and Scottsdale Community College. Students may take courses taught at the high school by district teachers with adjunct college faculty status, on the college campus, or through the colleges' online platforms."
Describe the Courses Available
Give families a list or a link to the specific courses available. Categories are useful. "Courses available this year include English Composition, Calculus, Introduction to Psychology, U.S. History, Computer Science, Healthcare Fundamentals, and Construction Technology. A full course list is at district.org/dualenrollment." Knowing the actual subjects helps families and students see whether something relevant is available.
State the Eligibility Requirements Plainly
Who can participate? "Students who are juniors or seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA may apply. Sophomore eligibility is available for students who meet the college's placement standards, which our counselors can help assess. Students in CTE pathways may qualify for CTE-specific dual enrollment courses as early as 10th grade." Eligibility criteria should be specific enough that families can self-screen before calling the counselor.
Address the Cost
"Tuition for dual enrollment courses is covered by the district for all eligible students. Textbook costs, which range from $0 to $120 per course, are the student's responsibility. Fee waivers are available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Contact your school counselor to request a fee waiver before purchasing materials."
Share Last Year's Data
"In the 2024-25 school year, 287 students in our district took a total of 412 dual enrollment courses. 91% earned college credit. Average college credit earned per student was 6 units, equivalent to one semester of full-time college coursework. We saved these students and their families an estimated $850,000 in future tuition costs." Numbers like this make the case better than any general statement about the value of advanced coursework.
Tell Families How to Apply and When
"Applications for spring dual enrollment courses are due October 31. Students apply through their school counselor or online at district.org/dualenrollment/apply. Information sessions are scheduled at each high school on October 8 and October 15. Bring your most recent transcript." A date, a link, and a place to go with questions is everything a family needs to act.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a superintendent include in a dual enrollment newsletter?
What dual enrollment is, which students are eligible, which college partners are involved, what courses are available, whether there is a cost to students, how transferable the credits are, and how to apply. Families who have never heard of dual enrollment need all of these questions answered before they can evaluate whether it is right for their child.
How do you address the concern that dual enrollment is too hard for typical high school students?
Share the participation and success data from your district's program. 'Last year, 312 students took dual enrollment courses in our district. 89% earned college credit, and 76% of participating students were not in AP or honors-only tracks.' Real data from your own program is more persuasive than any research citation.
Is dual enrollment free for students?
In most states, dual enrollment is free or heavily subsidized for eligible high school students. The details vary by state and district. Communicate the cost clearly. 'Dual enrollment courses are free to all district high school students. Books and materials may have a cost; fee waivers are available.' If cost is a barrier, describe how families can get help.
How do you communicate about dual enrollment for students who are not on a college-prep track?
Name the career-connected dual enrollment options explicitly. Many community colleges offer dual enrollment courses in CTE fields like healthcare, construction, business, and culinary arts. These courses earn college credit and provide a pathway that is not AP or traditional academic. 'Dual enrollment is not only for college-bound students. Our CTE partnership courses lead to industry certifications and count toward associate degrees in technical fields.'
What newsletter platform helps superintendents reach high school families efficiently?
Daystage handles district-wide sends with registration links and program details that render clearly on mobile. For time-sensitive enrollment communications like dual enrollment application windows, reaching family inboxes directly is more reliable than posting to the district website.
Adi Ackerman
Author
Adi Ackerman is a former classroom teacher and curriculum writer with 8 years in K-8 schools. She writes about school communication, parent engagement, and what actually works in real classrooms.
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