Dual Credit = College Credit

The Advanced Placement program offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses and exams and earn college credit while in high school. With 40 AP courses offered across all subject areas, there is an AP course for every student. Students take an AP Exam at the end of their AP course for the chance to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. Nearly all colleges and universities in the United States grant credit and placement for qualifying AP scores. While a qualifying score can help students save time and money in college, research consistently shows that AP students are better prepared for college than students who don’t take AP, regardless of their exam score. AP students are more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate on time. AP courses and exams build essential skills and confidence that can help students stand out in college admissions, thrive and succeed in college, and prepare for career success.

• ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOAL

  • Take college-prep classes for college credit while at high school

• CREDITS

  • Credits earned depend on exams taken and score

• COST

  • Fee per exam taken

• CLASS LOCATION

  • High school

• INSTRUCTORS

  • High school teachers

Cambridge International and International Baccalaureate are other college preparatory dual credit classes. However, these are not currently offered at Tumwater School District. 

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.

• GOAL

  • Graduate high school with college credits toward professional / technical degree

• CREDITS

  • Student must request transcription of CTE credits

• COST

  • $0 for CTE credits

  • College may charge a transcription fee

• CLASS LOCATION

  • High school

• INSTRUCTORS

  • High school teachers with appropriate V code certification

Learn more about what CTE Dual Credit classes are offered at Tumwater School District on our CTE Dual Credit webpage. 

​​​​​​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.

• COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL GOAL

  • Do college-level work to earn college credit while at high school

• WHEN CAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE?
  • Freshman - Senior Year
• CREDITS

  • Credits and grade automatically transcripted

• COST

  • $0

• CLASS LOCATION

  • High school

• INSTRUCTORS

  • High school teachers who meet faculty requirements for the articulating college

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.

• RUNNING START GOAL
  • Graduate high school with an AA degree to enter university as a junior, or earn some college credits
• WHEN CAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE?
  • Junior and Senior Year
• CREDITS
  • Earn up to 15 credits per quarter, 90 total
• COST

  • Pay fees & books, $0 tuition

  • Fee waiver for qualifying students

• CLASS LOCATION

  • Community college campus

  • Online

  • Hybrid

• INSTRUCTORS:
  • Community college faculty