Dual credit classes let high school students earn both high school and college credits at the same time. This can be done by taking a college-level class or earning a qualifying exam score. Studies show that students who take dual credit classes are more likely to graduate on time, go to college, stay in college, or start a career right after high school. These classes also count towards Washington’s credit requirements for graduation and give students a taste of college-level work. Even if students don't earn college credit, taking these classes can boost their confidence, introduce them to new careers, and offer more class choices.

Washington state requires schools to have an academic acceleration policy to make sure that capable students are challenged and encouraged to take tougher classes, such as dual credit. The College Place Public Schools’ policies of 2195 and 2195P refer to Academic Acceleration. Students can choose not to follow this policy if it does not fit their High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP). However, dual credit programs offer many ways for students to advance their academic and career goals.

Washington state has six dual credit programs. The college preparatory programs with exams are Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, and International Baccalaureate. The class-based dual credit programs are Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit, College in the High School, and Running Start. Although not a traditional dual credit program, Open Doors Youth Re-engagement also helps students who are not expected to graduate by age 21 to earn college credit. College Place High School offers the dual credit programs through College in the High School course offerings and CTE Courses.

Classes available through these programs can be found in on the high school course catalogue which is posted on the main school website. Also, they are listed below.

All dual credit programs are marked on the official high school transcript, whether the student earns college credit or not. Students must request and submit official college transcripts for earned college credit(s) to be transferred to colleges they apply to. More information on each program can be found on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Dual Credit Programs webpage.

We at College Place High School recognize the value of dual credit and the importance of ensuring equitable access to these opportunities. We encourage interested students to work closely with our school counselors to find the best options for their academic and career goals. Questions about dual credit classes at College Place High School can be directed to your student’s counselor.

New College in the High School courses are added or revised annually. As new courses become available we will update them here.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit:

CTE Dual Credit is offered through agreements between high schools and community/technical colleges. These classes can earn students both high school and college credit if they receive a qualifying grade. Unlike other programs, CTE Dual Credit does not automatically establish a college transcript, and students can request college credit after completing the class.

College in the High School (CiHS):

CiHS allows college-approved high school teachers to offer college-level classes at the high school. Students may take these classes for high school or college credit. Grades earned for college credit will be on the student’s permanent college transcript regardless of the student’s performance. While highly transferable, college credits earned through CiHS may count as elective credit if transferred to another college or university. The Council of Presidents CiHS course equivalencies tool is a helpful resource for understanding how college credit earned in CiHS classes might transfer to Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions. CiHS is free for public school students participating through an approved in-state, public college or university.

Running Start:

Running Start is a tuition-free program for students eligible to be in 11th or 12th grade, but some college fees will be charged each term. Eligible students may enroll in any term, including summer, upon completion of the 10th grade. Students take college classes at an eligible college or online and earn both high school and college credit. Students must apply for admission to a participating community or technical college or public, four-year university and notify the school or district of their intent to participate. Grades earned will be posted on the student’s permanent college transcript. All districts must allow eligible students to participate, and all of Washington’s community and technical colleges and public, four-year colleges and universities accept Running Start credit. Credits earned through Running Start may also be applied to associate degree requirements leading to college issuance of a high school diploma as described in RCW 28B.50.535.

Open Doors Youth Re-engagement:

Open Doors programs provide educational options to students ages 16-21 who are not expected to graduate by age 21. It offers credit recovery options, including dual credit, and community partnerships to help students succeed and move on to postsecondary education.

Class-Based Dual Credit

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit:

CTE Dual Credit is usually free, but some programs may require special equipment and supplies, and there may be a small fee for creating or updating the student’s college transcript. 

College in the High School (CiHS):

Students do not have to pay to take a CiHS class through approved public, in-state colleges and universities. Private and out-of-state colleges may charge a fee for their college-level class.

Running Start:

Running Start students do not pay tuition unless they take more than the maximum number of allowed classes/credits. Each term, costs may include transportation, textbooks, and college fees. Colleges must waive fees for students verified as low-income, and many provide additional support like book loan programs and transportation vouchers. Students are responsible for any additional fees or textbooks needs through WWCC.

In addition to program-specific subsidies and waivers, College Place Public Schools applies for funding from various sources to support dual credit programs and students. These include:

OSPI Consolidated Equity and Sustainability (CES) Grant:

This grant helps schools expand dual credit opportunities and reduce equity gaps.

Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) Dual Enrollment Scholarship Program:

This program offers financial support to students in Running Start and CTE apprenticeship programs.

Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) Education and Training Voucher (EVT):

Students in or exiting DCYF care may apply for the ETV program and receive up to $2,000 a year for dual credit costs. Students must take at least six college credits and one 100-level college class each term.

We at College Place High School recognize the value of dual credit and the importance of ensuring equitable access to these opportunities. We encourage interested students to work closely with our school counselors to find the best options for their academic and career goals. Questions about dual credit classes at College Place High School can be directed to your student’s counselor.

Student Last Name A-LA = Rita Silva-Ponds (rsilva-ponds@cpps.org)

Student Last Name LE-Z = Sam Derting (sderting@cpps.org)