College in the High School

College in the High School

West Valley High School has agreements with the University of Washington, Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University to offer WV students classes that meet the universities’ standards for college-level credit. These courses are taught by WV teachers who are also professors at the university level. The instructional materials and assessments are approved by the universities. In some cases, students must pass a university placement test to be eligible to earn college credit. Once credits are earned, they are part of the student's official transcript from the university and may be transferred to other institutions like any other college credit.

West Valley High School also partners with Yakima Valley College (YVC) to provide dual credit classes in Career and Technical education. These courses earn students YVC credit that can be used to advance their progress in those programs as YVC or possibly be transferred to other community colleges or universities.

Watch this webinar to learn more about CHS and the Ram to Wildcat program: https://youtu.be/_RAENe64ezw

CHS Benefits

Save Money

• Earn college credit for free! Recent legislation provides funding for all tuition costs!

As a comparison, an on-campus CWU student typically pays $1,374 for a 5-credit class and $9,344 for one year of tuition. For students learning and living on campus, it costs a total of $23,131 for tuition and room and board. (Details from CWU's Cost of Attendance page.)

Earn College Credit

• Successful CHS completion earns college credits on a college transcript.
• Many college credits are transferrable to other colleges. It is always recommended to check with the college/university you are interested in.

Save Time

• One course earns credit for WVHS and the issuing college/university at the same time, so students can start college having already completed their general education courses.

Experience College with Support

• CHS students experience true college-level classes and they are an official "college student" while remaining in a familiar setting at our high school with the support of our high school staff. Students earn college credit while enjoying their full high school experience on the high school campus.

CHS Registration Process

• Students register for College in the High School courses in the spring for the next school year in the same way they register for all their high school classes.
• At the beginning of the course, teachers will review the course requirements, college credits available, the grading process, and answer any questions students and their families may have.
• Parents must complete and sign a college registration form from the teacher, and students must give the completed form to their teacher. Note: Some registration may be online. In those cases, the parent will receive an email with a link to a digital registration form.
• Teachers must submit their class lists and a copy of each student's registration form to the District's Finance Department.
• Students complete the course.
• Students and families then work with teachers to monitor progress, grades, withdrawal dates, and other deadlines.
• After successful completion of the course, grades and credits will be added to the student's high school and college transcripts.

Notes:

• Students have the option to take CHS courses without registering for college credit. A student may choose this option, for example, if they do not meet eligibility requirements or do not want to risk receiving a low grade on a college transcript.
• Students should always check with the college or university they plan to attend to understand how courses transfer between institutions.

Available CHS Courses