Dual Credit Programs allow students to earn college credit while in high school. There are several options available for Mount Vernon students.
 

College in the High School
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 toward 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.

For more information, including enrollment and cost for the current school year, click here.
 

Advanced Placement

• 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 more information, including exam registration and cost for the current school year, click here.
 

CTE Dual Credit (Formally Tech Prep)

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 to career pathways or programs of study at Skagit Valley College representing high-demand, professional careers, from manufacturing to health care to information technology.

Get to know a little more about a course before taking it by watching a COURSE SPOTLIGHT.
 

Running Start

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 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.

Visit SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE'S WEBSITE for more information.

Dual Credit Programs: How do they compare?
 

Program Title	Class Location	Eligibility Requirements	Benefits of Participation
College in the High School (CHS)	High School Campus	10th-12th grade; Students must meet college course prerequisites and register for the course through the college.	Students can earn college credit without leaving high school and save more than 65% on tuition.
Advanced Placement (AP)	High School Campus	Students must register for the exam through the College Board.	Credit is awarded based on the exam score earned. Each college determines the type of credit awarded.
CTE Dual Credit (Formerly Tech Prep)	High School Campus	9th-12th Grade	Students can earn free college-level credits in Professional/Technical fields without leaving high school. Credits align with SVC programs and degrees.
Running Start	College Campus	11th or 12th-grade class standing as determined by the high school. Students apply and register for courses through the college.	Students ready for the "college experience" can attend classes on a college campus without paying tuition for college-level coursework." Full-time students may complete an Associate Degree while in high school.