Overview of Program

The Advance College Academy (ACA) is a partnership between Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC) that allows students to obtain an Associate of Science degree in Social Sciences as well as a high school diploma during the four years of high school. As a member of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), HCPS and JSRCC follow a prescribed set of standards which ensure a high quality representation of college classes and coursework. Students who successfully complete their high school education through ACA will have an associate’s degree from a college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the governing body of colleges and universities in 11 states. Upon graduation from both JSRCC and HCPS, students have an opportunity to transfer the 60 credits of the associate’s degree to the four year colleges and universities to which they gain admission. Beginning with the Class of 2027, there may be up to 75 students selected for the cohort.

Program Goals

The ACA Program is designed to give students an accelerated academic experience. Our goals help facilitate college readiness.

  • Developing effective and dynamic study skills using techniques such as study groups, graphic organizer, Cornell notes, and others.
  • Preparing students for the realities and challenges of becoming a college freshman, at 16, through specially crafted honors and AP classes taken during 9th and 10th grades.
  • Defining post-secondary academic and career goals through periodic group or individual sessions with our Reynolds Career Coach.
  • Identifying, addressing and assisting students in overcoming roadblocks to success.

Instruction

Our concurrent instructors are both HCPS teachers and credentialed Reynolds adjunct professors.

  • Rigorous and challenging 21st century instruction utilized across the ACA curriculum.
  • Honors and AP classes comprise the 9th and 10th grade course work.
  • The high school experience is embellished with high school electives and participation in high school extra-curricular activities.
  • Students earn a full associate’s degree of 60 credits