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About our Programs

Fifty percent of Pike County Schools’ 10th through 12th-grade students are enrolled in dual enrollment programs offered to Pike County students at no cost.  These programs lead to the awarding of an Associate Degree and/or Industry Recognized Credentials by our post-secondary partners upon graduation. These programs prepare the students for continued participation in post-secondary programs and/or out-of-high-school employment in high-paying jobs.

Dual enrollment is the term given to courses in which high school students have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.  Pike County Schools believes dual enrollment is an essential pathway for students to become college and career-ready. These programs not only accelerate academic progress but also equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in higher education and the workforce. 

Through various post-secondary partnerships, Pike County Schools believes the opportunities provided to our students are unmatched. The system boasts over 18 different academy programs, each having unique college programs of study designed to meet the needs and interests of students.  In addition, the system provides a plethora of post-secondary certificate programs. Whether your student plans to attend a four-year university after high school graduation, learn a trade or skill, or go straight into the workforce or military, Pike County Schools has a program to meet those needs, which will give your student an advantage over traditional graduates.  

We are proud to offer these valuable opportunities to qualified students at no cost to their families, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality education.  This initiative is a testament to our commitment to removing obstacles and creating extraordinary opportunities for every qualified student, regardless of their socio-economic status or background. Over the past decade, the program has seen significant growth, and we are proud to continue expanding and offering these life-changing opportunities.  Our hope is that this dual enrollment guide will provide a wealth of information to help you and your student learn all we offer through Pike County Schools.
The Pike County School System is most appreciative of its partnerships with Troy University, Enterprise State Community College, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.

In addition, Pike County offers a 5th – 8th grade STEM Academy – targeting select students, this program is designed to deliver accelerated instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics concepts, while cultivating interest in both post-secondary STEM education and STEM-related careers. These STEM Academy students participate in immersive STEM experiences at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the National Flight Academy, and others.

Current Numbers:

Academy

71 students are currently enrolled in an academy (67 which lead to an associate degree - 4 are in the Global Studies Academy)

  • 33 GHS
  • 38 PCHS

11 of which are seniors graduating from Troy University

  • 8 GHS
  • 3 PCHS

7 of which are seniors graduating from ESCC

  • 2 GHS
  • 5 PCHS

18 total graduating with degrees in 2024

 

Short-Term Certificates

82 currently enrolled in a dual-enrollment certificate

19 have earned a certificate and will walk at ESCC graduation in 2024

Total DE = 153

For consideration into an Academy:

•Enroll in a Pike County School

•Apply in the 9th grade (Associate Degree Only)

•Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher*

•Have ACT or ACCUPLACER Scores of:

•ACT (depending on program)

•18-20 English/Writing

•18 or higher in Mathematics

•ACCUPLACER (depending on program)

•English 1101 qualifying score

•Math 1105 qualifying score

•Have good attendance

•Have good discipline/conduct

•Be in good overall standing with school

•Submit a completed academy application

•Submit the name of school or district administrator who will complete a digital recommendation form

•Submit the names of three (3) teachers who will complete a digital recommendation form

•2 must be core academic teachers

•Write a 250 word or less essay explaining why you would be an excellent candidate for the academy program

•A transcript will be collected from school counselor

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Complete application.
    • Meet PCS requirements:
      • 3.0 GPA
      • Clean Discipline
      • Attendance
      • Recommendations
    • Meet post-secondary requirements:
      Troy University & Enterprise State Community College:
      • Pass ACCUPLACER (College Entrance Exam) Test or provide qualifying ACT scores
        • TU Academic Qualifying Scores
          • English ACT - 20
          • English ACCUPLACER - 5
          • Math ACT - 18
          • Math ACCUPLACER - 253
        • ESCC Academic Qualifying Scores
          • English ACT - 18
          • English ACCUPLACER - 5
          • Math ACT - 18
          • Math ACCUPLACER - 244

    • Second semester of 9th grade year, unless applying to Global Studies. If applying to Global Studies, second semester of 10th grade year.
    • Applications are available beginning in February and notification will be sent to all 9th graders, advertised, etc.

    • Freshmen Leadership Academy learns about the different programs available.
    • All 9th graders tour both the academy programs, certificate programs, and Troy Pike-Center For Technology.
    • Parent Expo- Information is provided the night of PCS Parent Expo.

  • The majority of classes are face-to-face at Troy University. There are a few classes that are online.

  • Yes. PCS buses students from home campuses each morning. The exceptions to this are holidays when PCS is closed and the university is open.

  • Yes, sometimes there are summer classes for academy students. We try to limit these to the summer after your junior year. These are online.

  • Yes, with the exception of the Agriscience courses taught by Mr. Stanley and Mr. Eiland. The other exception is the Mechatronics Lab courses.

    • Labs are in Ozark.
    • Students must be able to provide transportation to CA3L building Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays by 7:20 am in order to ride PCS bus to Ozark. We bus students from CA3L building to Ozark. Students stay in Ozark until approximately noon and then are bused back to CA3L, each lunch, and return to home campuses for 4th block.

    • Troy University academy students will earn an associate of science in general education.
    • ESCC academy Agriscience students will earn an associate of science in Agriscience.
    • All other ESCC academy students earn an associate degree in an applied science in their concentration area.

    • Academy programs lead to an associate degree from college and take core college academic courses in addition to the electives specific to the academy.
    • Certificate programs lead to certification and only take the college program specific electives.

    • Failure to earn a “C” or higher in a class -either college or high school
    • GPA drops below requirement for program.
    • Failing to adhere to Pike County Schools Code of Conduct, including misuse of technology and social media before, during, or after school hours (both personal devices and PCS owned devices).
    • Academic misconduct.
    • Truancy.
    • Failure to adhere to any portion of the student memorandum of understanding signed by student and parent/guardian.
    • Any history of drug use or criminal conviction will jeopardize my participation in the academy program and/or my required internship.