Dual Credit

Students earn regular high school credit upon successful completion of the course and may gain college credit if they earn a qualifying score on the corresponding AP exam. University credit is generally granted for test scores of 3 and above on a five-point scale, however, each university has their own standards for accepting credit for AP exams. For more information on the AP program, go to www.collegeboard.com/ap. Students enrolling in three or more concurrent AP classes must have prior approval from their counselor. Students who enroll in year-long AP courses are expected to remain in those courses for the entire year.

In association with Washington universities, high school students may earn college credit for completing these classes on the high school campus. College credit earned may count as elective or academic credit depending on the receiving college's transfer credit policies. Franklin Pierce Schools is applying to participate in this program beginning the 2022-23 school year: see course options in the subject areas for potential offerings.

There is no fee for students to enroll in a CHS or co-delivered dual credit course that includes CHS to earn only high school credit. Fees apply for students who choose to enroll in a CHS course to earn both high school and college credit. College credit fees are as follows:

• Central WA University: $60/credit
• Eastern WA University: $65/credit
• University of WA: $66/credit, plus a $45 registration fee

Courses typically run five credits. Fees are collected by the University at the beginning of the fall semester. Tuition assistance is available to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch services. Students should note that paying for the college credit automatically starts an official college transcript with the institution offering the course that will include the student's performance.

Running Start offers qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn high school graduation and college credits by taking approved courses at Tacoma Community College, Pierce College, or Clover Park Technical College without paying tuition.  (Books, supplies, other fees, and transportation are the responsibility of the student.) To be eligible for this program, students must 1) have earned the credits necessary for junior or senior status; 2) demonstrate readiness for college-level study through their performance on a college placement exam; 3) meet course prerequisites.  It is not usually advisable for students to try to transfer to the Running Start Program during the middle of the school year.  The community/technical colleges are on a three-quarter system that does not match starting times with our semesters.  Students planning to take Running Start courses during fall quarter must have the application process completed by early spring of the prior year. 

Dual credit courses offer students an opportunity to earn Community/Technical College credit while attending high school classes. CTE Dual Credit classes are taught at the high school or Puget Sound Skills Center and integrate academics with technical skills to help prepare students for advanced education and careers related to professional-technical occupations. High school students who complete selected high school courses with a grade of ‘C’ (2.0) or better can earn Community/Technical College credit. After June 30th of the summer after completing required high school courses, students may contact the PC3 office at 253-583-8803 for transcription of CTE Dual credits. More information about CTE Dual Credit can be found online at Pierce County Careers Connection at www.pc3connect.com or Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges at www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/cte-dual-credit.