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Arlington Public Schools Expand Dual-Enrollment Program to Support Student Success

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Arlington Public Schools in Virginia are revolutionizing the way high school students earn college degrees, with the dual-enrollment program allowing 19 students in the spring to receive associate's degrees from Northern Virginia Community College. This represents a record high for the five-year-old initiative, with Arlington accounting for half of the NOVA associate's degrees bestowed on high school students across Northern Virginia for the 2024-25 school year. The program's coordinator, Michelle Van Lare, aims to support students in earning college degrees or certificates while still in high school, with a goal of at least nine transferable college credits before graduation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The dual-enrollment program at Arlington Tech has grown from 7 students graduating with associate's degrees in 2021 to 19 in 2025, with a 20% increase in participation.
  • Arlington accounted for half of the NOVA associate's degrees bestowed on high school students across Northern Virginia for the 2024-25 school year.
  • The program's coordinator, Michelle Van Lare, aims to support students in earning college degrees or certificates while still in high school, with a goal of at least nine transferable college credits before graduation.
  • The Arlington Tech program offers a range of courses, including DE Chemistry and DE Comparative Politics, and more degree and certificate pathways, like information technology and nursing.
  • Students in the program can earn both college credits and industry credentials, with 200 industry credentials earned by members of the 2025 graduating class.
  • The program has been praised by Malcolm Pace, the director of dual enrollment at NOVA, who called it a "national model" that should be replicated.
  • Superintendent Francisco Duran has praised the collaborative nature of the initiative, highlighting the dedication and hard work of students, faculty, and staff.

Statistics:

  • 19 students graduated with associate's degrees from Northern Virginia Community College through the program's dual-enrollment effort in the spring.
  • This represents a 20% increase in participation from the previous year.
  • Arlington accounted for half of the NOVA associate's degrees bestowed on high school students across Northern Virginia for the 2024-25 school year.
  • 200 industry credentials were earned by members of the 2025 graduating class.
  • 400 college acceptances were offered to members of the 2025 graduating class.
  • More than $7 million in scholarship support was offered to members of the 2025 graduating class.
  • 5 of the 19 students graduating with associate's degrees in 2025 are first-generation higher-education students.

Sources:

  • Arlington County, "Arlington Public Schools Seeking to Boost Dual Enrollment Program" (September 5, 2025)
  • ARLnow, "Arlington Public Schools' Dual Enrollment Program Reaches New Heights" (September 5, 2025)

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