SRVUSD Guide to Non-District and Dual Enrollment
This handout provides a comprehensive overview for students and parents in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) regarding non-district and dual enrollment courses, including their impact on GPA, necessary approvals, and how they influence college admissions.
Non-District Courses (NDC)
Overview:
Non-district courses are classes taken outside of SRVUSD at private academies, online platforms, or other accredited institutions. These courses can serve as a valuable academic resource for students looking to advance or enrich their high school education.
Policies:
- Approval:
Before enrolling in a non-district course, students must complete a Non-District Course Intent Form and obtain approval from their high school counselor. The institution offering the course must be WASC-accredited and UC/CSU approved.
- GPA Contribution:
If approved, non-district courses can count toward the SRVUSD transcript and contribute to the student’s GPA. Students are allowed to place up to 40 credits of NDC on their SRVUSD transcript, with a limit of 20 credits per year.
- UC/College Admissions:
Non-district courses can count toward the UC GPA calculation if they fulfill the A-G subject requirements. However, students must submit a separate transcript from the non-district institution to colleges for admissions consideration.
When to Take NDCs:
- For Advancement: To skip a prerequisite course and advance to a higher-level class the following academic year.
- For Enrichment: To explore a subject not offered at your high school.
- For Graduation Requirement Fulfillment: To replace or meet a specific graduation requirement.
Deadlines:
- Intent Form: Must be completed before enrolling in any non-district course.
- Transcript Submission:
- Summer NDCs: Submit by September 6, 2024.
- Fall semester courses: Submit by January 17, 2025.
For more details on the approval process, visit SRVUSD’s Non-District Courses Page here.
Dual Enrollment Courses (Community College)
Overview:
Dual enrollment courses allow students to take specific community college classes while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit. These courses are an excellent way to challenge students with college-level material and begin their academic journey in higher education. See the overview here.
Policies:
- Approval:
Students must obtain approval from SRVUSD and their counselor by completing a dual enrollment form before enrolling in a community college course.
- GPA Contribution:
Dual enrollment courses contribute to both the high school GPA and the UC GPA once they are approved.
- UC/College Admissions:
Accredited community college courses count toward UC admissions and are treated as college-level coursework, which demonstrates academic rigor. Colleges generally view dual enrollment courses positively as they indicate a student’s commitment to challenging themselves.
Recommended Courses:
- Electives and Interest-Based Courses:
Dual enrollment is best for students looking to take elective courses or pursue specialized interests that aren’t offered at their high school, such as career-related courses or subjects outside the standard curriculum.
- Avoid Core Subjects (if possible):
Students should avoid taking core subjects, like English or Math, at community college unless absolutely necessary, as these may overlap with high school courses and lead to redundancy.
Deadlines:
- Approval Deadline:
Students must secure counselor approval at least one month before the community college’s registration deadline.
- Registration Deadlines:
These vary by community college, so students should consult the academic calendar of their chosen community college to confirm deadlines.
Key Differences Between Non-District and Dual Enrollment Courses
| Aspect | Non-District Courses | Dual Enrollment Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Institution | Private academies, online platforms | Community colleges |
| SRVUSD Credit | Yes, if pre-approved | Yes, if pre-approved |
| GPA Impact (High School) | Contributes if pre-approved | Contributes if pre-approved |
| GPA Impact (College) | Factored into UC GPA if A-G approved | Factored into UC GPA |
| Recommended Subjects | Electives, specialized interests | Electives, niche subjects |
| Approval Process | Requires Non-District Course Intent Form | Requires dual enrollment form |
Important Tips for Success
- Plan Early:
It’s essential to secure approval for non-district and dual enrollment courses in advance to ensure they are accepted for high school credit. The approval process can take time, so start early to avoid delays.
- Focus on Interests:
Choose courses that align with your passions and academic interests. These are more likely to enrich your high school experience and benefit your college application.
- Verify Accreditation:
Always verify that the institution and course are accredited and meet UC A-G requirements before enrolling. This ensures that the course will be accepted by colleges and contribute positively to your transcript.
For more details and to begin the process, check out theSRVUSD Non-District Courses page.
By thoughtfully navigating the non-district and dual enrollment options, students in the SRVUSD can enhance their high school education, demonstrate academic rigor, and gain a competitive edge in the college admissions process.
