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College Preparatory Programs
National Connections Academy students can begin earning college credits while still enrolled in upper school! We offer two unique programs for students to get ahead in their college careers:
- Dual Diploma Program: Students earn a diploma and an associate degree in four years.
- Dual Credit Program: Students can enroll in up to seven credits of first-year college courses while to earning their upper school diploma.
Dual Diploma Program
National Connections Academy offers the opportunity for students to earn a diploma and an associate degree in just four years—so students can start a career right after school with the increased earning power of a college degree. Or students can continue to complete a bachelor's degree in just two more years.
Upon successful completion of the junior year, students are granted a year of college credit by our partner, American Public University, completing a year of upper school and a year of college for the cost of only one year’s upper school tuition!
In their senior year, students are admitted directly into American Public University without the usual lengthy college admissions process. Tuition will be paid directly to American Public University. Students complete their upper school graduation requirements and sophomore year of college at the same time to emerge with a diploma from National Connections Academy and an associate degree from American Public University! Students are then equipped to enter the work force with the increased earning potential of an associate degree, but can also continue their studies to complete a bachelor's degree.
View our sample schedule for students in grades 9 – 11.
Note that in this program students will be fully enrolled in American Public University for their senior year of upper school/sophomore year of college and will pay tuition directly to American Public University. For more information regarding American Public University's tuition and fees, please visit http://www.apu.apus.edu/tuition-and-financing/tuition-and-fees/index.htm.
Dual Credit Program
National Connections Academy offers a unique opportunity for qualifying upper school seniors. Eligible National Connections Academy (NaCA) students can enroll in up to seven credits of first-year college courses while continuing to pursue their upper school diploma.
NaCA is working with University of Maryland University College (UMUC) to bring our students this exciting opportunity. UMUC is a world leader in online higher education with more than 150 worldwide locations, making it easy for students to continue their education anywhere in the world. UMUC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
NaCA upper school students who are 16 years of age or older with a 3.5 or higher grade point average can enroll in up to seven credits of first-year college courses from UMUC at the Maryland in-state cost.
NaCA students can choose from over 65 courses ranging from core subjects like math, science, and history, to a variety of electives, including world languages, sociology, criminal justice, and computer science. View a list of courses.
Students who successfully complete a UMUC course will earn both upper school and college credit, which can be applied to both their diploma and college degree.
For more information or to find out how to enroll in the Dual Diploma or Dual Credit Programs, please contact an Admissions and Support Representative at 888-440-2899.