TOPS Dual Credit

We are proud to offer dual credit at TOPS which allows you to take university-level courses and earn college credit hours and high school credits at the same time.

TSI scores or TSI exemption scores for returning students must be received by May 22nd for students to be eligible to participate in fall 2025 dual credit.

• TOPS pays the tuition for up to 3 courses per semester. TOPS does not cover the cost of books or any additional fees such as supply fees.
• TOPS does not cover the cost of summer dual credit courses.

• April 3rd: Mrs. Smith emails TSIA2 May Testing Window survey link with instructions.
• April 17th: TSIA2 May Testing Window survey due
• May 22nd: Deadline for scores to be emailed to Ms. Hill, Dual Credit Counselor at mhill@texasonlineprep.org

Q: What are the next steps for 8th graders interested in starting dual credit in 9th grade?

A: On the course selection survey, there is a question to indicate if you are interested in dual credit. For those that indicate on the survey that they are interested, they will receive an email from our TSIA2 coordinator, Mrs. Smith, April 3rd. This email will give information about how to sign up to take the TSIA2, an exam that students take to demonstrate college readiness. The window for 8th graders to take the TSIA2 is May 8-15.

Q: Can I take online dual credit courses with any of the partner schools?

A: No. Online dual credit courses can only be taken through Kilgore College and only the courses that are TXVSN approved as listed above.

Q: Does TOPS pay for summer dual credit courses?

A: No. TOPS does not pay for summer courses. Students that want to take dual credit courses in the summer will need to pay for the tuition. Students still must get approval for summer courses from the dual credit counselor.

Q: Do I get a graduation cord for participating in dual credit?

A: Students that earn 9 or more college hours, which typically is 3 courses, earn a cord.

Q: How does taking a dual credit course affect my GPA?

A: At TOPS, AP and Dual Credit all give additional 1.0 GPA. We are on a 5.0 GPA scale. So, for example, a 100 in a regular course would be a 5.0. For a dual credit course, a 100 would be a 6.0.

Q: If I take a dual credit course, will I have both a college and a high school transcript?

A: Yes. If you take a dual credit course, the grade will go on your high school transcript for either .5, 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 credit depending on the course. You can request this transcript from TOPS. The grade will also go on your college transcript and you will be awarded college credits- typically 3 credits per course. To get your college transcript you will have to request it from the college.

Q: Can I just submit EOC scores to be eligible for dual credit?

A: Kilgore, our online dual credit partner, does not accept EOC scores as a TSI exemption. Some of our in-person partner colleges will accept a 4000 English 2 EOC score and a 4000 Algebra 1 EOC score as a TSI exemption. You must check the college you are applying for. Please note that even if you are eligible using EOC scores, you are still not considered TSI College Ready. In future years if you go to a Texas College they will require you to demonstrate TSI College Readiness.

Q: How many college credits can I earn in high school at TOPS?

A: TOPS pays for 3 courses per semester which equals 6 courses max per year. Most students take 1-2 per semester. Additional courses beyond 3 per semester are at the family's expense.

Q: Are the Kilgore online dual credit courses through the OLS platform and in Engageli?

A: No. Dual credit courses are through Kilgore's college system. You will have a separate login for the college courses.

Q: I have a hold on my account. What do I do?

A: Email the Dual Credit Counselor, Madelyn Hill, and let her know you have a hold. She will talk to the college to get the hold removed.

Q: If I fail a dual credit course or get a W in a dual credit course, can I take dual credit courses in the future?

A: No. According to district policy (see the DC Handbook) any student that fails or receives a W on a dual credit course is no longer eligible for dual credit. If students withdraw from a dual credit course before the deadline and do not receive a W, they will still be eligible for future dual credit.

Dual Credit Counselor

Email: mhill@texasonlineprep.org
Website: https://www.smore.com/40qt6d-dual-credit-info
Phone: 972-379-8286