Start High School. Begin College. Build Your Future.
Through the EDGE Early College Academy, eligible SULVS students can begin earning college credit and pursuing career and technical credentials while completing high school.
How EDGE Works
Express Interest
The student and family complete the EDGE Interest Form.
2. Review Eligibility and Pathways
SULVS reviews the student’s grade level, academic record, readiness, and interests. Eligible families receive guidance about available pathways and expectations.
3. Enroll and Begin
Approved students complete the required enrollment steps and begin eligible EDGE coursework.
Who Should Consider EDGE?
EDGE may be a strong fit for motivated high school students who are ready to take greater responsibility for their learning, maintain strong academic performance, meet college-level deadlines, and communicate consistently with instructors and school staff.
Students enrolled in EDGE are expected to:
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Attend and participate consistently
Meet all course deadlines
Communicate when assistance is needed
Demonstrate maturity and independence
Follow both high school and college requirements
Is EDGE Right for Your Student?
EDGE Early College Academy is designed for motivated high school students who are prepared to take greater responsibility for their education. Because students may complete high school and college-level coursework at the same time, success requires strong academic habits, consistent participation, and a willingness to ask for help when needed.
Successful EDGE Students Are Prepared To:
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Attend and participate consistently
Complete assignments and meet all course deadlines
Communicate with instructors and school staff when assistance is needed
Demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and independence
Follow both high school and college policies and requirements
Readiness Matters
Interest in EDGE does not guarantee placement. SULVS will review each student’s academic record, grade level, readiness, and program interests to determine whether an available pathway is an appropriate fit.
Think your student may be ready?
Complete the EDGE Interest Form to begin the review process.
Why Choose EDGE at SULVS?
EDGE is more than a traditional dual-enrollment program. It connects high school learning, college coursework, career preparation, and individualized planning within a statewide public virtual laboratory school.
A Unique University Connection
Public Laboratory School
SULVS is a tuition-free public virtual laboratory school committed to innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and college preparation.
Southern University System
Students benefit from SULVS’s connection to the nation’s only historically Black college and university system and its institutional partners.
Designed Around the Student
Built for Virtual Learners
EDGE helps virtual students balance high school responsibilities with the expectations of college-level coursework.
Individualized Planning
Students receive guidance connecting graduation requirements, college goals, career interests, and long-term plans.
Multiple Pathways with Support
More Than Dual Enrollment
Eligible students may pursue college courses, technical programs, industry credentials, certificates, associate degrees, or transfer pathways.
Support Along the Way
SULVS staff and institutional partners guide students and families through eligibility, pathway selection, enrollment, and expectations.
MORE THAN COLLEGE CREDIT
A Connected Pathway to What Comes Next
Traditional dual enrollment often focuses on individual college courses. EDGE helps students build a connected pathway toward high school graduation, college achievement, career credentials, and workforce readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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EDGE stands for Early Degree Growth Experience. The EDGE Early College Academy gives eligible SULVS students opportunities to begin earning college credit and pursuing career and technical credentials while completing high school.
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Not exactly. Dual enrollment is one component of EDGE, but EDGE is designed as a broader early college experience. It combines high school planning, college coursework, career preparation, industry credentials, and potential degree pathways.
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Eligibility is determined by the student’s grade level, academic record, readiness, pathway interests, and the requirements of the participating college or credential program. Because requirements vary by pathway, submitting an interest form is the first step in determining eligibility.
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GPA requirements may vary based on the college, course, credential, or pathway selected. Students must meet all SULVS academic requirements and any additional eligibility standards established by the participating institution or program. Students must also maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue participating.
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No. EDGE is a districtwide program that includes both virtual and in-person opportunities. Many courses and support services are available online; however, students who can travel to a participating institution may have the option to attend classes on campus. Some pathways may also require in-person laboratories, assessments, clinical experiences, certification testing, or other activities. Families will receive information about the delivery format and attendance requirements before enrollment.
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Yes. Eligible students may have the opportunity to work toward an associate degree while completing high school. Whether a student can finish the entire degree before graduation depends on the student’s starting grade level, course load, academic progress, pathway requirements, and course availability.
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EDGE courses become part of the student’s individualized academic plan. SULVS staff will help determine how college or credential coursework fits with the student’s high school graduation requirements, required state testing, and regular SULVS schedule. Students must remain enrolled in and complete all courses required for high school graduation.
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Families may contact the SULVS Academic Advisor/Counselor or the SULVS school office for questions about eligibility, available pathways, academic planning, or the interest process. Students already enrolled in an EDGE course should also communicate directly with their assigned college instructor when they need course-specific assistance.
Ready to Explore What’s Possible?
Complete the EDGE Interest Form to tell us about your student’s goals. A member of the SULVS team will review the information and contact your family regarding eligibility, available pathways, and next steps.