College Preparatory and College Opportunities

Advanced Level Courses

Each department offers a variety of advanced level options for students wanting to build a strong foundation in a particular subject area. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs at W. F. West build to opportunities that most high school students would only experience in a college environment. Look for courses with the Advanced designation. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and graduate with honors. W.F. West has four honor pathways. For more information on graduating with honors contact the counseling center.

College in the Classroom

We offer College in the Classroom opportunities in Math, Social Studies, World Language and English. These courses are offered through a partnership between W. F. West and Centralia College. Students take these courses on our campus and earn high school and college credit. The credit for each class in the high school is worth 1.0 per semester, and equates to 5 college credits. Cost of credits may change annually. Scholarships for tuition may be available, College in the High School teachers will hand out information the first week of class.

Advanced Placement Courses

We offer Advanced Placement classes in our Social Studies, Math and English programs. The greatest benefit of AP courses is that you are in an enriched environment with classmates like you, who are seeking an intellectual challenge, are motivated to learn, and are committed to excellence. Participating in these courses gives you a headstart with the work you will encounter in college. You will improve your writing skills, and sharpen your critical thinking techniques. You will develop study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework in a supportive environment.

Requirements for AP courses can be found in the Social Studies and Math sections of this catalog. Advanced Placement Exams are given through the College Board in May for a fee of $94.00. Discounted fees are available for students on the free & reduced lunch program, and financial assistance/waivers are available to all students in need. W. F. West supports College Ready opportunities for all students. More information about Advanced Placement programs is available online at the College Board: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.htm

Running Start

The Running Start Program is a partnership between W. F. West High School and Centralia College. Eligible juniors and seniors have the opportunity to complete a portion or all of their coursework on Centralia College’s campus to simultaneously complete high school requirements and earn college credit. Running Start students do not pay tuition, but they do pay college fees and buy their own books, as well as provide their own transportation. Contact the W. F. West Counseling Center for Running Start requirements. All Running Start students are required to fulfill testing and culminating project requirements for W. F. West graduation.

CADR

(College Admission Requirements): It is the responsibility of each school district to determine which of its high school courses meet CADR guidelines. CADR’s are minimum college admission standards established by Washington’s Higher Education Coordinating Board.

CADR’s reflect the minimum number of credits required in six subject areas that students must earn to be eligible for routine admission consideration by four-year public baccalaureate institutions. Courses meeting this standard are identified in this course offering guide. CADR reflects common university entrance requirements. In this W. F. West guide core CADR courses which are recommended for all students are indicated in this way, CADR: meets.

College/University Entrance Requirements

Colleges and universities have different general requirements unique to each institution, in addition to some common requirements. CADR reflects a common requirement. College and University websites and the college board website https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges provide specific entrance requirement information. We recommend planning early for college opportunities.