Woodstock Dual Degree Window Closes November 11 for Freshmen

Woodstock dual degree program applications close on November 11, 2026, for freshmen interested in earning a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. The program, a partnership between McHenry County College and Woodstock Community Unit School District 200, is an early college program created for academically motivated students. During four years of school, students take a combination of dual credit courses offered through the district at each high school and college courses offered on the McHenry County College campus. Students apply and are selected during the first semester of ninth grade, so the fall window is the only chance for this class to join.

An information night was held on October 14 for parents of freshmen interested in pursuing an associate degree while attending Woodstock or Woodstock North High Schools. The meeting took place at Woodstock North High School, with sessions in English and Spanish, and application documents were available from 8 p.m. on October 14 until 10 p.m. on November 11. The program is designed for students who are ready for college-level work early and who want to finish high school with a degree already in hand.

How the Woodstock dual degree program works

Woodstock dual degree program works by blending high school and college courses over four years. Students take dual credit courses at their high school, where the work counts for both high school and college credit, and they also take courses on the college campus. The mix changes as students progress, with more college courses in later years. Students need strong study habits, time management, and support from family and teachers, because college courses move faster and expect more independent work than typical high school classes.

For families still deciding, the closing date is a prompt to talk, not a reason to rush. Ask the school what the weekly schedule looks like, how transport to the college campus works, and what happens if a student finds the load too heavy. Ask current students and parents about their experience, and check how credits transfer to other colleges. The dual degree is not the right fit for every freshman, and a regular high school path with dual enrollment courses can also lead to college success.

Source: Woodstock High School