Early College Pathway at Mount Vernon High School

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 School will have the opportunity to earn transferable college credits while also completing the requirements for their high school diploma.

This new program at Mount Vernon High School reduces college education expenses by streamlining the path to a college degree and certificate completion. Students will earn college credits at no cost to families through NOVA dual enrollment courses in high school. For school year 2020-21, NOVA dual enrollment offerings at Mount Vernon High School will include courses in English, History, Math, Political Science, Early Childhood Careers, Theatre, and Cybersecurity.

Students entering grades 11 and 12 at Mount Vernon High School are encouraged to talk with their school counselor during academic advising to learn more about dual enrollment opportunities.

Students who wish to take a dual enrollment course must meet the criteria set by the college or university for admission into the course. Students enrolling in a dual enrollment course will work directly with their high school to register for the course. Students participating in a dual enrollment course through NOVA must be classified as an 11th or 12th grade student (there are some exceptions for 10 graders) and must pass the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) administered by NOVA or a substitute assessment such as the PSAT or SAT.

Mount Vernon High School will offer the Virginia Placement Test to students on March 25th and March 26th. Testing will begin at 8:30 a.m.  Students should check with their counselor regarding school registration for the VPT. 

More information about Regional Testing Sites for the Virginia Placement Test