Concurrent vs. Dual Enrollment

A common misconception is that all courses offered from Palomar College are Dual enrollment, however, the chart below explain the difference between Concurrent vs. Dual Enrollment. Please note the only courses offered from Palomar with our Dual Enrollment Program are:

1. Art/ Art of Cinema

2. Counseling

3. Criminal Justice

4. Economics

5. Work Experience

6. Law 

Please  visit the page "Which courses are offered with Dual Enrollment" tab for more information. 

Concurrent Enrollment is when a high school student enrolls in college level courses for college credit prior to high school graduation. Students act independently to apply and enroll in college courses. Students are treated and have the same responsibility as all enrolled college students, and are financially responsible for regular college and textbook fees. Concurrent enrollment is available during the summer, fall and spring terms at his or her own discretion at a Palomar campus or online. Students are required to pay for textbooks and some fees.  

* Please note: An instructors signature is required for any student enrolling that is under 16 years of age. Instructors decide whether to accept students under 16 years of age into their classes. Admission is not guaranteed. SMHS does not process paperwork for summer, fall and spring terms for concurrent enrollment. All k12 paperwork must be processed between student and admissions@palomar.edu via the student Palomar email.  

To sign up for Concurrent Enrollment please discuss with your alpha assigned School Counselor. 

Dual Enrollment is when a high school student enrolls in college level courses for college credit with the assistance and partnership of a participating high school. At SMHS, the school collaborates with Palomar College and assist with the enrollment process and is free to the student. Courses are limited to specific subjects through this program (see the "Which courses are offered with Dual Enrollment"), however the final grades are on a weighted scale. Although the courses are not guaranteed, as the enrollment is based on Palomar's enrollment policy and procedures, SMHS has direct contact with Palomar on the enrollment process.  It is also important to note all final grades taken through the Dual Enrollment process are FINAL and permanently recorded on the SMHS transcript and cannot be removed regardless of the low (D, F, or Withdrawal/Fail) grade. 

Example: A students is interested in taking Spanish 3 with Palomar College- this student needs to complete the Concurrent Enrollment Process as Spanish is not a subject course offered with the Dual Enrollment program. See "Which courses are offered with Dual Enrollment" to see the current list of courses offered. 

Click here to learn how to APPLY