If you're an academically motivated high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, you may be interested in getting college credit for your high school classes, without ever leaving the high school campus. College in the High School (CHS) gives you the opportunity to do just that!

What is the College in the High School (CHS) Program?

College in the High School (CHS) is a Dual Credit Program, offering eligible students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. Courses are taught by qualified high school teachers, on the high school campus, providing greater access to college credit for local students prior to high school graduation.

 How Does the Student Benefit from the Program?

• Students can maintain their high school experience while also earning credits towards their post-secondary goals.

• Students can experience college-level work in a familiar environment.

• The courses included in the program are those most often required in freshman coursework.

• Upon successfully completing the course, credits are transcribed on the student’s college transcript, using the college course’s title and number, just as it appears in the college catalog.

• College in the High School courses are tuition free, covered by the state of Washington, for all students..

For current school year information, click here.

• MVHS offers an extensive array of Advanced Placement courses where students have the opportunity to experience a college-level course while still in high school. AP students are also eligible to take an AP Exam (for a fee) in each subject area at the end of the school year and can earn college credit through qualifying AP Exam grades (each college/university has its own AP recognition policy). 

• AP courses teach skills and provide the academic rigor that can lead to success in college through the development of writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and study habits. 

• Also, taking rigorous AP courses demonstrates maturity, a willingness to take on intellectual challenges, and a commitment to academic excellence, which will help distinguish students in the college admission process.

• Course descriptions, prerequisites, and summer assignments are detailed in the course catalog under the appropriate department.  Questions regarding academic advising should be directed toward the student’s counselor as this is an individual decision. 

For current school year information, click here.

Students enrolled in CTE Dual Credit can earn college credit in high school courses that are formally approved (articulated) by the college. Teachers from high schools and colleges work together to ensure the high school classes match the learning outcomes of the college-level course.

CTE Dual Credit classes are part of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that connects with a professional/technical certificate or degree offered at the college.  These CTE programs lead into career pathways or programs of study at colleges representing high-demand, professional careers, from manufacturing to healthcare to information technology.

For more information, visit the MVHS Course Catalog which outlines all CTE programming and provides information on courses that are CTE Dual Credit.

• Running Start is a Washington state program that allows high school students to earn credits toward both high school AND college at a local campus. Students must be Juniors or Seniors and must meet all entrance requirements (placement test or alternative) as outlined by the college.

• Running Start students are still Mount Vernon High School students. They must choose whether to pursue a full-time or part-time course load at Running Start. Full-time Running Start students take all their classes at the college. Part-time students arrange a schedule that works for them to attend some classes at high school, and others at the college. Running Start students may still participate in after-school activities at the high school.

• Running Start students enroll in college classes and are treated like any other college student. The rules and processes of a high school environment do not apply, so there is no Family Access, progress reports, attendance tracking, or parent/teacher conferences.

For more information, including the enrollment process, click here.