General Information:

Kapolei High School is partnering with the University of Hawaii at West Oahu (UHWO) and Leeward Community College (LCC) to offer Early College (EC) courses for the Spring 2026 semester.  Tuition is FREE for any current Kapolei High School student.  Some (not all) EC courses require a book and/or have additional course fees. As an EC student, you will be required to cover these additional costs. On average, books and fees may run between $25-125 per course. If a student enrolls in an EC course and fails, students will be required to reimburse Kapolei High School the current tuition cost of a three-credit course at UH West Oahu ($936) and Leeward Community College ($393). All courses are considered "dual credit."  This means that you will earn 3 college credits AND one high school credit!  If you would like to learn more about Early College, please watch this video:  Video Presentation.

Important information to consider prior to enrolling in an EC course:

1. You are required to have a 2.7 cumulative high school GPA for UHWO and 2.0 cumulative high school GPA for LCC  at the time of your application.  Majority of the courses are open to students of all grade levels (except incoming 8th graders) as long as they possess good organizational skills, have a strong work ethic, are mature, and would like to challenge themselves academically. We also reccommend If you meet these characteristics, then Early College is for you!

2. If you have previously taken an Early College course and have a college transcript open, you need to be in "good academic standing" in college (not on probation) and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative college GPA.  For example, if you previously took a college course and earned a "D" or "F" grade, your GPA may be below a 2.0 and thus you may not qualify to take another EC course the following semester.

3. Students may enroll in two courses per semester. Depending on the course it will either be on a first come first serve basis or lottery if spots are limited. In the event that we have more applicants than seats available, students will be limited to one course per semester. If this is your first time enrolling in an EC course, it is recommended (not required) that you take one course in your first semester.

4. You must be a currently enrolled student at Kapolei High School in order to apply.  If you are a current incoming 8th grader, graduate, or have not registered yet (e.g. transferring to Kapolei High School), you are ineligible to participate.

5. Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Courses: What's the difference between asynchronous and synchronous learning? bit.ly/articleononlinelearning & stanford.edu.  Asynchronous courses at Kapolei High School will have one or two online meetings at the beginning of the semester for you to check in with the instructor, meet your classmates, and have an opportunity to ask any questions. These meetings are mandatory. Days/times to be announced.

FOR NEW, FIRST TIME STUDENT

1. Memorandum of Agreement

Student and parent/guardian read the Memorandum of Agreement

2. Dual Application 

Dual Credit Application: Complete https://www.hawaii.edu/dualcredit/ for Spring 2026. Click the blue "submit" button on the bottom of the page, then print the form.  Student & parent/guardian signatures are required. You do not need to obtain the counselor and principal's signature-Ms. Cabreros-Subia will take care of this for you.  If you are planning on taking TWO classes at the same institution, you only need to do one Dual Credit Application (click the gray "add course" button to add a second course). However, if the courses are at different campus you MUST do separate Dual Applications. Sample Dual Credit Application: See a Sample Dual Credit Application.  

How to complete the Dual Credit? Need help?: Tutorial Video for Dual Credit Application.

3. UH System Application 

Complete the UH System Application online for UH West Oahu and/or UH Manoa. 

• UH West Oahu APPLICATION LINK    

• Leeward Community College APPLICATION LINK

4. Early College Google Form 

Once you are done with steps 1-3, click on this link to register: SPRING 2026 Google Form 

Note: You will have to upload a PDF file of your Dual Credit application at this link (no pictures please) AND a picture of your student ID. Please have this ready before you click on the link to register.  

5. Early College Classroom

Be sure to join Mrs. Cabreros-Subia's Google Classroom to get updates and important information. Join the Early College Google Classroom using this code: q4b24bno.  You must join this classroom for information throughout the semester. Periodic updates and reminders will be posted here.

6. Leeward Community College ONLY

If you have enrolled in a Leeward Community Collegeourse a REQUIRED PLACEMENT TEST is needed, which Mrs. Subia will notify you after applications have been received. 

FOR RETURNING STUDENTS  

You can complete this registration process at home or stop by the College & Career Center for assistance.  ALL Applications MUST be COMPLETED even if you're a returning student. 

What is Early College?

Early College is a nationwide initiative which allows high school students to enroll in college courses while in high school. University/college instructors teach the course. Students who successfully complete their college course will receive both high school and college credit (dependent on course), which we refer to as Dual Credit. The two dual credit programs that we offer at Kapolei High School are Early College and Running Start.  

Running Start 

Running Start is a program that allows 12th grade students to take college courses at participating University of Hawaii colleges & universities. Students can potentially earn both high school and college credits for these courses. Students and families are responsible for paying for the course at the specific institution.  

Benefits/Implications of Early College & Running Start

National Data Indicates:

• More likely to meet college-readiness benchmarks

• More likely to enter college and enter shortly after high school graduation

• Higher persistence rate into second year of college

• Higher four- and six-year college completion rates

• Shorter average time to bachelor's degree completion for those completing in six years or less

Hawaii Data Indicates:

• Higher college enrollment rates

• More likely to enroll in college in the fall term immediately following high school graduation

• More likely to enroll at a 4-year institution

• Higher persistence rate into second year of college

Articles: 

Going to College Before College - Click HERE. 

Why College Now Starts in High School For So Many Hawaii Kids- Click HERE.