Dual credit programs are ministry-approved programs that allow students, while they are in secondary school, to take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a post-secondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Dual Credits may be offered in an HDSB secondary school (team-taught model) or at the college (college-delivered model).
Dual Credit Program
Dual Credit is a joint program with local colleges that provides students in Grade 11 or 12 the unique opportunity to earn a college credit and non-compulsory secondary school credit at the same time. Credits earned count toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, a post-secondary certificate, diploma, degree, or Certificate of Apprenticeship. Students are taught by a college instructor and monitored by an HDSB teacher. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore a college destination during high school.
There are a vast number of Dual Credit courses that will be offered in the 2023-2024 school year. Courses will be offered during the school year for fall, winter and spring sessions.
The HDSB is now registering students for Dual Credit 2024-2025.
If you or your child are interested in applying for a Dual Credit course, review the Course Offerings & Descriptions and complete the Dual Credit Application Form. Please note that a graduation summary is required from the guidance team to complete the application.
Note: Completion of the online application form does NOT guarantee enrolment in Dual Credit courses. Spaces are limited, so it is important that interested students who meet the criteria apply early. Conestoga College Dual Credits are ONLY available to students who reside and are registered at a secondary school in Milton and Acton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Dual Credits available?
HDSB has partnerships with Conestoga College, Humber College, Mohawk College, Niagara College and Sheridan College.
What are the benefits of the Dual Credit program?
- Students are working towards completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) by earning a high school credit
- The program helps students make a successful transition to college
- The program recognizes a student’s potential to succeed
- There are no college tuition fees
- Students are officially registered as a college student and receive a student ID number and access to all student services through the college
- Students earn a college credit upon successful completion of the college course
What are the student expectations to be successful in the Dual Credit Program?
- Regular attendance
- Communication with both teacher and college instructor
- Responsibility to manage the course work of all of their classes
- Participation in the college eLearn platform
- Completion and submission of course content
What are the criteria for student participation in the Dual Credit Program?
- Grade 11 or 12 student
- Proven ability to be successful in college (“C”) or mixed (“M”) courses
- May include any of the following:
- Unsure of post-secondary plans after graduation
- Looking for career clarification
- In need of an additional credit to graduate
- Seeking to build confidence in the transition to post-secondary (i.e. college)
- Disengaged from high school classes
- SHSM student seeking a reach ahead opportunity
Still have questions? Please contact the guidance team at your school.
Resources
- What is Dual Credit? - Ministry of Education
- FAQ - Dual Credit School College Work Initiative
- www.gotocollege.ca
- Message for Guidance Counsellors
- Student Voice
