RCS Online - Concurrent Enrollment
What is Concurrent Enrollment?
Concurrent Enrollment is available to current RCS high school students who wish to remain enrolled at their zone school while also taking additional courses online outside of their normal school day. Reasons students may be interested in this option is to graduate early, make-up credits, or have space in their schedule to take more courses in their elective pathway.
Is there a cost associated with taking a Concurrent Course?
Yes, students must pay the required $125 per half (.50) credit. On-time seniors (not early graduates) who are eligible for free/reduced lunch may qualify for a discounted rate if they are in need of the course to graduate and the class does not fit in the schedule at their zone school.
**If the student needs longer than the designated term to complete the half (.50) credit course, an additional payment of $125 will be required to continue with progress.**
Regular School Year: Courses offered Four, 8 week Terms
Summer School: Courses offered Two, 4 Week Terms
What courses are available for Concurrent Enrollment?
RCS Concurrent Enrollment options are listed below. Students will be expected to complete a half (.50) credit of coursework within the designated term they sign up for. All courses are offered at the standard level, not honors/advanced.
| * English IV (1 credit) | * Spanish I (1 credit) |
| * Statistics (1 Credit) | * Spanish II (1 credit) |
| * Government (.50 Credit) | * Wellness (1 credit) |
| * Economics (.50 Credit) | * Physical Education (.50 credit) |
| * Personal Finance (.50 Credit) | * Art History (1 credit) |
Will I have access to a teacher to help me with coursework if needed?
Yes, while students will complete assignments through an online platform, a Rutherford County teacher of record will be responsible for monitoring progress and assisting with areas of concern. Students will be required to schedule an appointment with their teacher of record to take the final exam in-person.
Who approves my request for Concurrent Enrollment?
Interested students must download, print, and complete the application located in the attached documents. Signatures of a parent/guardian and the zone School Counselor are required. Once the completed application is received by Mrs. Williams, the payment link will be emailed to families.
What if I change my mind after enrolling?
Please think over this option carefully. Due to the independent and fast-paced nature of the online platform, students must be motivated, organized, and have the time management skills to balance these requirements with other responsibilities. Refunds will not be issued. In addition, the grade received will be added to the student's transcript at the end of the course and cannot be waived.
I'm interested in this option...what's next?
1. Please consult with your parent/guardian and school counselor at your zone school on what course(s) you are in need of.
2. If you decide to pursue, please print the application and required forms located in the attachments. Summer 2024 Application
3. Email the completed application and forms with required signatures to: [email protected]
4. A link to the county's Point and Pay system will be emailed to families to submit the payment online. If you prefer to pay by cash or money order, you will need to schedule a time with Mrs. Williams for payment at the Board of Education.
5. Once your forms and payment are received by Mrs. Annie Williams, you will be contacted regarding access to the Online Platform and your teacher's requirements to begin coursework!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the courses taught over Zoom through live lessons? No. Students will have access to an online platform to complete coursework. All work is completed independently through pre-recorded lessons and/or posted assignments. Students are able to move through the content at their desired pace and timeframe as long as they finish all assignments by the end of the term they are signed up for.
- If I miss a day of logging in to complete assignments, will I be penalized? No. Students will be provided with a list of suggested due dates to help keep them on track with completing the course by the end of the term. If a student spends days away from completing assignments, they can expect to spend hours trying to get back on track. Keep in mind, that during a traditional school year, students have 18 weeks to complete a half (.50) credit. With RCS Online, students are attempting to complete the same content in just 8 weeks (or 4 weeks for summer). Having a daily routine to complete online assignments is very important.
- Do I have to take my exams in-person? Yes. Because students are allowed to work remotely, they must take the final exam in-person to demonstrate that the course was completed honestly by the individual earning the credit. No exam exemptions are allowed with RCS Online.
- I need to take a course that is not offered through RCS Online, what are my options? RCS Online is not able to offer every single course that is taught in a traditional high school setting. You should talk with your School Counselor about other accredited online options outside of Rutherford County Schools that may be able to help you fulfill your desired course.
- Can I take more than one course during a term? It is strongly advised that a student only takes one course per term; however if a student needs more, the option is available. Some students have the misperception that online coursework is easy or relate it to Zoom lessons during the peak of Covid...this is highly inaccurate for RCS Online. If you are involved in extracurricular activities, work, vacations, summer camps, etc... you should be mindful that the online coursework is a huge time commitment.
- Can rising 9th graders (current 8th graders) take RCS Online courses? No. Students enrolling in RCS Online must be already enrolled in 9th grade for the current school year.
- What is the difference between Rutherford County Virtual School and RCS Online? Rutherford County Virtual School is a full-time enrollment option, so students are withdrawn from their zone school and take all of their courses virtually. RCS Online allows students to remain enrolled at their zone school while taking additional online courses to meet their needs.
