Almost all Advance College Academy alumni go on to further their education at a four-year college or university and beyond. Click on the link to view a list of destinations our alumni have attended after graduation. The rigor of ACA has helped students gain acceptance to these places of higher education, and give them the preparation to thrive once they’re there.
Overview
The Advance College Academy is a partnership between Henrico County Public Schools and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. The program enables students to obtain an Associate of Science degree in social sciences while earning a high school diploma during their four years of high school. As a member of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, HCPS and Reynolds follow a prescribed standards that ensure a high quality representation of college classes and coursework. Students who successfully complete their high school education through the Advance College Academy will have an associate degree from a college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the governing body of colleges and universities in 11 states. Upon graduation from both Reynolds and HCPS, students have an opportunity to transfer the associate degree's 60 credits 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 at 16 for the realities and challenges of becoming a college freshman through specially crafted honors and AP classes taken during ninth and 10th grades.
Defining postsecondary 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 using the Advance College Academy curriculum.
Honors and AP classes comprise the ninth and 10th grade course work.
The high school experience is embellished with high school electives and participation in high school extracurricular activities.
Students earn a full associate’degree of 60 credits.
