Advanced Academics: Dual Credit & Advanced Placement

What are Advanced Academics?

Students, while still in high school, may sign up for advanced academic courses which may lead to college credit. Students should meet with their high school counselors or teachers to obtain more information about these courses and support services. Click on program buttons below for more information about how to enroll in the program. O'Connor High School currently has two choices for advanced academic courses:

Advanced Placement (AP)

The AP program enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school.    Students may be awarded college credit with a qualifying score on the College Board AP Examinations, which are offered in May of each year.  AP coursework and exam scores are recognized globally.  The College Board, a private corporation, charges a fee to administer each AP exam.  NISD pays a portion of the fee and the student pays a portion of the fee.

Dual Credit (DC)

Dual Credit classes allow eligible high school students to earn free college credit for certain courses in which they are currently enrolled while completing their high school requirements.  Students may accrue up to 42 hours college credit which generally transfers to most Texas public universities; however, Dual Credit coursework is not always accepted at private universities or out-of-state colleges.  Entry into Dual Credit is available through an application process and minimum qualification requirements. 

Types of Dual Credit

Academic:  Students taking Academic Dual Credit courses are earning credits toward an Associate of Arts or Science degree.

Career and Technical Education (CTE):  Students taking CTE courses are earning credits toward a Certificate of Completion and/or Associates of Applied Science degree.