High School Programs

A fast path to your college degree!

Dual Credit - Earn college credit as a high school student

Traditional Dual Credit ISD/Charter/Private

Traditional dual credit is an option for eligible high school students in the Alamo Colleges District service area. Partnership with public, private, or charter schools must be established to ensure dual credit courses are available. The 42-Hour Core Curriculum provides course selection availability for dual credit participants.

ECHS - Early College High School

Early College High Schools (ECHS) are located either within one of our partnered traditional high schools or on our college campus. This innovative program enables students to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously accumulating substantial college credit—potentially leading to an associate degree. Designed to expand college access for students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education, ECHS offers a near-seamless transition into postsecondary studies or the workforce. This model is the result of a collaborative partnership between TEA (Texas Education Agency) and Northwest Vista College.

P-TECH – Pathways in Technology Early College High School

Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) are located either within one of our partnered traditional high schools or on our college campus. This innovative program enables students to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously accumulating substantial college credit—potentially leading to an associate degree and/or certificate in high-demand fields, with a focus on work-based learning through partnerships with businesses and institutions of higher education.

Your future starts now - apply today!
Click here to complete the Dual Credit Application

Benefits of Dual Credit:

  • Increases the likelihood that a student will complete high school and continue their college education.
  • Decreases the cost of tuition and fees for students in completing their academic degrees
  • New graduates enter the workforce at an accelerated rate and begin to earn wages, benefiting themselves and making positive contributions to our economy
  • Students can earn credit for up to 14 college courses before graduating from high school
  • Increases student’s self-confidence
  • Access to campus resources
  • Tuition is waived for ISDs or discounted for non-ISD students

View the Alamo Colleges High School Programs Dashboard for our program stats!

Admission Requirements

Public and Private/Charter School Students

Please seek timeline from your High School Dual Credit Representative.  Each high school has a timeline in which you are to complete the admission process and submit your paperwork to the high school. Eligibility into the program is determined by completing the following requirements before set deadlines.

  1. Contact your high school counselor/liaison regarding dual credit at your campus.
  2. Submit an Application here
  3. Coordinate with the high school counselor/liaison on testing eligibility requirements. If using AP, UT OnRamps or any other form of college credit for registration; scores and/or course history (official transcript) needs to be sent to NVC at least one month before school starts.
  4. Review the online DCSO (Dual Credit Student Orientation)  and submit Parent/Student consent form via Canvas in ACES.
  5. Turn in all necessary documentation to your high school counselor/liaison before college deadlines which are usually 8 months in advance before school starts.

*Returning students: There is a possibility you may need to re-apply and/or take the TSI Assessment for continuing terms if you did not register for and/or dropped courses during the previous semester. Please seek guidance from your High School Dual Credit Representative.

***Current NVC Dual Credit Students graduating from high school (Seniors): If you would like to continue taking courses at Northwest Vista College after graduating from high school, you must submit a new Apply Texas application as a high school graduate.  Please follow the Application and Enrollment Steps for First Time In College Students.

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Home School Students

Dual Credit for Home School Students

Northwest Vista College offers traditional dual credit to eligible home school students in our service area. Eligible students can earn credit for up to 14 college courses before graduating from high school. Experience college while keeping the flexibility of your homeschool schedule.

You Belong at Vista! Apply today!

Dual Credit for Home School Enrollment Process

 

Documentation Deadline:
Spring 2027 - December 9, 2026
Fall 2027 - July 23, 2027
Registration Deadline:
Spring 2027 - December 16, 2026
Fall 2027 - July 30,2027

Please email the NVC High School Programs Office if you have any further questions regarding the program. 

Becoming a Dual Credit Adjunct

Criteria for Becoming a Dual Credit Adjunct Faculty Member

Dual Credit instructors must meet the same academic standards as on-campus faculty. To be eligible for hire through Alamo Colleges District, applicants must have one of the following:

  • A Master’s degree in the teaching discipline
  • A Master’s degree in another field with at least 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline
  • An Associate's degree or higher for technical programs (certificates required)

Certain courses or programs may require specific graduate-level coursework or certifications to teach. All credentials are subject to evaluation and approval.

DO NOT submit an application if you:

  • Have not completed the necessary graduate work
  • Are not employed by the school district where you plan to teach
  • Have not been recommended by your high school dean
  • Will not be teaching dual credit courses within the next two semesters
  • Are ONLY seeking employment as a non-dual credit adjunct faculty member at one of the Alamo Colleges

Important Timeline
The hiring process may take several weeks. To ensure Fall term placement, dual credit faculty applications must be submitted by July. Click here to apply for Faculty Jobs.

Have questions about the Dual Credit Faculty hiring process? We’re here to help!
Email us at nvc-academics@alamo.edu.

Student and Parent Resources

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Want to know how dual credit works? From signing up to transferring your credits (and everything in between!), these common questions and answers will help you and your student understand the process and feel confident every step of the way.

Dual Credit FAQs