Dual credit programs are designed to assist students in the completion of their diploma requirements and support successful transition to either college or apprenticeship programs. Depending on the delivery model and course, students can earn secondary school credits (a maximum of 4, non-compulsory), college credits and/or Level 1 Apprenticeship certification while attending approved courses at either St. Lawrence or Loyalist College or in their home secondary school.
College campus programs involve a dual credit secondary school teacher who provides support and supervision as required while the students are on the college campus. Some secondary courses delivered at our secondary school have been developed to provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit upon successful completion of the regular secondary school course.
It is important to note that college assessment and evaluation policies are used when determining success in a dual credit course. Students will be informed of what grade is required in order to earn credit for the course (i.e. 50%, 60%, 70%).
Dual Credit courses and delivery models are approved and funded annually by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and administered through School/College/Work Initiatives and the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. Seats in dual credit courses are limited so admission to courses/programs will involve an application process. To learn about the dual credit opportunities that will be available during the school year, visit the Guidance Centre.
School Within a College (SWAC)
Beginning September 2023, students will benefit from a new and exciting innovation to the “college-delivered” dual credit model, where secondary school students attend both high school and college courses at Loyalist College. In this School Within A College (SWAC) model, students remain HPEDSB students and graduate from their home school.
Prospective candidates are 17-20 years old who are within range of earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the potential to succeed, with teacher support, in a college environment. Academic programming at SWAC will consist of a combination of college credits, compulsory course completion, credit recovery, experiential learning and personalized workshops delivered by the college in areas like mental health and wellness, student success mentoring, career-life planning and breaking down financial barriers for post-secondary education.
Transportation to and from the college will be provided free of cost for the student and funded through the Ministry’s School College Work Initiative (SCWI).