Dual Credit

What is a Dual Credit?

The Dual Credit program is a key part of the School-College-Work-Initiative program approved by the Ministry of Education. It allows students, while they are still in secondary school, to take college or apprenticeship courses.

Where do the courses count?

Dual Credit courses count towards both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship at the college that is hosting the Dual Credit program.

How many credits can count towards the OSSD?

Up to four (4) optional Credits.

What is the format of a Dual Credit?

There are three (3) types of Dual Credit programs.

Day Away Dual Credits
1. Students leave their homeschool and travel to the college for either 1 or 2 courses
2. Students will be transported by taxi or bus
3. The bus may pick students up as early as 7am and arrive back as late as 6pm
4. Course selection varies based on the semester and the college
5. Courses are taught by College Instructors
Team Taught Dual Credits
1. A Team Taught Dual Credit course can occur during a double period offered at the student’s secondary school
2. The college provides an instructor who co-teaches the students in that double period course
3. The course occurs during the regular school day and students receive a secondary school credit only along with their regularly scheduled course credit.
Day Away Level 1 Apprenticeship Dual Credits
1. Students who have a registered training agreement can participate in a Level 1 apprenticeship course
2. Students must apply for this opportunity and if they are accepted into the program, they must commit to a 7 week course that takes place at the College.
3. Students must complete the training and pass the exam to gain the Level 1 distinction. Students may achieve up to two secondary school credits based on their success in the program.

How much does a Dual Credit cost?

The Dual Credit program is financially supported by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities through the Council of Ontario Directors of Education. There is no student fee to participate in a Dual Credit program.

Who is eligible to enroll in a Dual Credit?

Secondary students who are enrolled full time in grade 11 or grade 12 are eligible to participate in the program. The primary focus is for students who have the potential to succeed but may be at risk of not graduating. The secondary focus is for students to gain exposure to post-secondary education as well as those students in OYAP and SHSM.

What is expected of the student?

Students who are enrolled in a Dual Credit are considered a college student and will be treated as any other student in an Ontario College. The students have the same responsibilities and must follow the college’s Rules of Conduct during the course. The students will receive a College Identification number and will have access to some of the student services opportunities.

Why should students participate in a Dual Credit?

Benefits:

Participating in a Dual Credit program helps the student to complete their OSSD
Earn Ontario College Credits while still in secondary school
Assists students to make a successful transition to a college or an apprenticeship program
It increases students' awareness of the various college and apprenticeship pathways available to them
Students gain greater insights into education and career planning decisions
Supports students’ SHSM course bundle

College partners

Avon Maitland District School Board partners with the following group and three colleges to deliver Dual Credit courses: Technical Training Group, Conestoga, Fanshawe, and Lambton.

More information

For more information, please contact:

Your local school Guidance Counsellor or
Jim Brintnell, AMDSB Dual Credit Lead at [email protected]