Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is joining Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason) to build an early college pathway at Mount Vernon High School. Students at Mount Vernon High will have the opportunity to earn transferable college credits while also completing the requirements for their high school diploma. 

“The early college pathway will allow us to dramatically close access and opportunity gaps,” said School Board Chair Karen Corbett Sanders.   “We know if we can close those gaps, we can close achievement gaps as well. If we build the pathway right here in Mount Vernon High, all students can and will accomplish more than they can imagine.”

 
The new program at Mount Vernon High reduces college education expenses by streamlining the path to a college degree and certificate completion. 

“Beginning today, Mount Vernon High School students can register to enroll in college courses in the fall, take those classes here at Mount Vernon High School, get college credit, and still be earning their high school diploma,” said FCPS Superintendent Scott S. Brabrand.  “This will allow our students to seamlessly transition to a clear path for two- and four-year degree programs.” 

Early college pathway students will earn college credits at no cost to families through NOVA dual enrollment courses in high school.

“We are a high school that serves over 2,000 students from diverse backgrounds,” said Mount Vernon principal Anthony Terrell. “This is a dynamic and exciting opportunity to help our students achieve success beyond high school.”

For school year 2020-21, NOVA dual enrollment offerings at Mount Vernon High will include courses in English, history, math, political science, early childhood careers, theater, and cybersecurity. 
Students entering grades 11 and 12 at Mount Vernon High are encouraged to talk with their school counselor during academic advising to learn more about dual enrollment opportunities. 

Learn more about dual enrollment at Mount Vernon High School.

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