Parents

Parent Information

NFC recognizes the important role parents and guardians have in a student’s educational career. Dual enrollment is an accelerated option for students who are well prepared and ready for college level courses.

Dual Enrollment & Early College Programs Homepage

Once a student enrolls in Dual Enrollment at North Florida College, they are considered a college student and are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that governs the privacy of student education records.

Click here to learn more about FERPA

What does this mean for parents and guardians?

Under FERPA, NFC faculty and staff cannot share specific student information—such as grades, course progress, attendance, or instructor communications—with parents or guardians. This applies even though the student may still be in high school.

Student Responsibility

Dual Enrollment is designed to help students develop independence and college‑level responsibility. As such:

  • Students are responsible for checking their NFC email regularly.
  • Students must communicate directly with their instructors regarding coursework, grades, or concerns.
  • Students should share important academic information with their parents or guardians as needed.

How parents can stay informed

While NFC cannot discuss individual student records, parents are encouraged to:

  • Talk regularly with their student and High School Counselor about classes and academic progress
  • Review general Dual Enrollment policies and deadlines posted on the NFC website
  • Support their student in learning to self‑advocate and navigate college expectations

Dual Enrollment is an exciting opportunity, and understanding these expectations helps ensure a successful transition to college coursework!

What is Dual Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment allows eligible middle and high school students (grades 6–12), including public, private, charter, and home education students, to take college or career courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Courses may count toward a high school diploma, industry certification, career certificate, or a college degree.

What are the benefits for students and families?

  • Save time and money: Tuition and textbooks are free for Florida public and charter school students.
  • Get a head start on college: Earn college credits while still in high school.
  • Expand academic options: Access to rigorous academic and career courses.
  • Build a college transcript early: Credits are part of a student’s permanent college record.

Who is eligible?

Students must:

  • Be enrolled in a Florida public, private, charter school, or home education program
  • Meet GPA requirements:
  • Maintain required GPAs for continued participation
  • Not graduate from high school before completing the college course

Eligibility details may vary slightly based on local articulation agreements.

Do students take a placement test?

Students seeking Academic Dual Enrollment must demonstrate college readiness in English, Writing and/or math through an approved placement test (such as the PERT, Accuplacer, CLT, SAT, ACT). Testing opportunities vary for public, private, and home education students.

Students seeking Career Dual Enrollment may be able to enroll without taking a placement test; however, they may still be required to meet a Basic Skills requirement through an assessment or an approved exemption. Please refer to the NFC Catalog for additional details.

How can I schedule a placement test for my student?

NFC's testing center offers the PERT, ACCUPLACER and TABE at our Madison, Perry, and Live Oak Locations. You may schedule an appointment by visiting the NFC Testing Website.

What courses can students take?

  • Academic courses that meet high school graduation requirements
  • Career and technical courses leading to industry certifications
  • Courses may be taken in person or online, during the school day, after school, or in summer
  • Courses are offered at the high school, college campus, career center, or online

Some courses (e.g., developmental education or certain physical education courses) are not eligible.

Do students pay for Dual Enrollment?

Dual Enrollment is provided at no cost to eligible students and their families within the College’s six‑county service district. Textbooks are provided at no cost to dual enrollment students by their high school or by North Florida College for Private School, Home Education, or PEP students.

Will Dual Enrollment credits transfer?

  • Dual enrollment courses transfer to all Florida public colleges and universities with the same course number
  • Acceptance of credits at out‑of‑state or private institutions varies, families should check with prospective colleges

Is Dual Enrollment right for every student?

Dual Enrollment is best for students who are:

  • Academically prepared
  • Organized and self‑motivated
  • Able to manage college‑level coursework and deadlines

Parents should carefully consider maturity, time management skills, and long‑term academic goals before enrolling.

Before beginning the application process, students should talk with their Guidance Counselor, Parent/Guardian, or our supportive Dual Enrollment & College Programs staff to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements for Academic Dual Enrollment and/or Career Dual Enrollment. Dual Enrollment Application Steps

Student & Parent Responsibilities

  • Meet with the school counselor or home education official each term
  • Ensure all paperwork and signatures are completed on time
  • Understand that college courses follow FERPA privacy laws, even for minors
  • Follow the college academic calendar, which may differ from the high school calendar
  • Attend classes as scheduled and meet college attendance and grading standards

Applying online to NFC is easy!

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