Dual Credit
Advanced Placement (AP)
The Advanced Placement program is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Challenging and complex subject matter across a wide spectrum of subject areas is presented in a discussion, lecture, and testing format. These classes offer college level content and possible college credit while students are still in high school.
AP Quick Facts
· College credit may be available for examinations successfully taken in high school
· AP courses can exempt students from some introductory college courses, thus permitting students to move more quickly into advanced classes
· Motivates students to attempt more challenging courses in both high school and college
· Develops the analytical and study skills required to succeed in college courses
· May reduce college costs and time to obtain a degree
· Provides direction in selecting college majors
College in the High School
Students have the opportunity to earn college credit in approved high school courses. These courses are indicated with the College in the High School (CHS) designator. Students may take the course for high school credit only, choosing not to pay the college fee. Students who choose to take the course for college credit, must pay the college or university fee and meet all content requirements in addition to high school course content. Students earning college credit will receive a grade and transcript from the college or university and that credit may count as elective or academic credit depending on the receiving college’s transfer credit policies. Specific information regarding the credit provider and fees will be provided by the class instructor.
Note: Per state guidelines, ‘dual credit’ courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) and College in the High School (CHS) must be clearly listed as one or the other on the high school transcript. Some NSD classes are offered as both AP and CHS courses, but students must choose whether they want the AP option or the CHS option, which will determine how the course is listed on their transcript. Students who pay for College in the High School option will not have the AP course title on their transcript, and vice-versa. It is important that students and parents do research at the colleges where they plan to apply to see which program is most beneficial to them and choose accordingly.
For a thorough explanation of the dual credit guidelines, please read this document from OSPI: College in the High School and Other Dual Credit Program Guidelines. In addition, the following webpage can provide students information on how WA State colleges apply the AP test scores: Washington Student Achievement Council – Dual Credit.
2021-2022 Local College Credit Fees
Pacific NW College Credits
Pacific Northwest College Credit Information
How to request Pacific NW College Credit Transcripts
Pacific NW College Credits offers high school students the option to earn college credit right at their high school for Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes through the CTE Dual Credit program (a nationwide program formerly known as Tech Prep). CTE Dual Credit recognizes the rigorous and stimulating quality of CTE classes offered in our high schools, rewarding student performance with college credit applicable to professional or technical degree programs at the college, and allowing students to prepare early for a successful future in high demand programs of study that lead to careers with potential - in demand right here in the Pacific Northwest!