The Advanced Placement program offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses and exams and earn college credit while in high school. Students take an AP Exam at the end of their AP course (May) for the chance to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. 

While a qualifying score can help students save time and money in college, research consistently shows that students who take AP courses are better prepared for college than students who don’t take AP, regardless of their exam score. AP students are more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in their classes, and graduate on time. AP courses and exams build essential skills and confidence that can help students stand out in college admissions, thrive and succeed in college, and prepare for career success.

Registration and fee is required.

Learn more about Advanced Placement:

• Curtis High School’s AP Program Offerings Website and CJH AP World History
• College Board AP Program Website
• AP Credit Policy Search Tool (Use this tool to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores)
• Talk to your school counselor

Financial Considerations for AP Students

Students who are enrolled in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program qualify for the College Board and OSPI fee reduction on all AP Exams that they take in a given year.

CiHS allows college-approved high school teachers to offer college-level classes at the high school. Students take these classes for high school credit while simultaneously potentially earning college credit, if eligible. Grades earned for college credit will be on the student’s permanent college transcript regardless of the student’s performance. While highly transferable, college credits earned through CiHS may count as elective credit if transferred to another college or university. The Council of Presidents CiHS course equivalencies tool is a helpful resource for understanding how college credit earned in CiHS classes might transfer to Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions. Students interested in attending WA state private colleges or out-of-state colleges/universities should check with each school to confirm how credits will transfer, as policies vary between schools. CiHS is free for public school students participating through an approved in-state, public college or university.

Curtis High School offers courses in collaboration with Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University. CiHS courses are marked as CWU or EWU in the CHS Course Catalog.

Learn more about College in the High School

• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• CHS Senior High School Course Catalog
• Talk to your CiHS teacher, or school counselor

Financial Considerations for College in the High School Students

Students do not have to pay to take a CiHS class through approved public, in-state colleges and universities. There is a small fee for requesting the student’s college transcript.

CTE Dual Credit is offered through agreements between high schools and community/technical colleges. These classes can earn students both high school and college credit. To earn college credit, they must receive a “C” or higher grade. Unlike other programs, CTE Dual Credit does not automatically establish a college transcript, and students can request college credit after completing the class. Curtis Senior High School agreements are  through Bates Technical College, Clover Park Technical College, and Pierce College. 

To learn more about CTE Dual Credit:

• CTE Dual Credit Information Webpage & to request transcripts - Pierce County Careers Connection
• How to Register for CTE Dual Credit Classes - Statewide Enrollment and Reporting System (SERS)
• To learn more about, visit the CHS CTE website
• Talk to your CTE teacher, CCRC or school counselor

Financial Considerations for CTE Students

CTE Dual Credit at CHS free, but some programs may require special equipment and supplies, and there is a small fee for requesting the student’s college transcript.

Running Start is a tuition-free program for eligible students in 11th or 12th grade but students are responsible for quarterly fees and textbooks. Eligible students may enroll in any term, including summer, upon completion of the 10th grade. Students take college classes at an eligible college in any format (in person, hybrid, online) and earn both high school and college credit.  Eligible students may enroll in Running Start at any Washington community and technical college and participating state colleges and universities (Central and Eastern Washington Universities, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, and the Northwest Indian College). Students are responsible for applying for admission to the Running Start program in which they intend to enroll (RCW 28A.600.320).

Grades earned will be posted on the student’s permanent college transcript. All districts must allow eligible students to participate, and all of Washington’s community and technical colleges and public, four-year colleges and universities accept Running Start credit. High school diplomas may be issued by colleges to high school seniors under the conditions set forth in (RCW 28B.50.535). Summer term opportunities are available for eligible students (including rising juniors) with available annual average FTE (AAFTE) (Bulletin 027-24).

Students interested in Running Start will have a chance to attend an information session in February, and then will meet with their counselor during registration to finalize their decision.

To learn more about CHS Running Start programs and procedures:

• CHS Running Start Webpage

Financial Considerations for Running Start Students

Running Start students do not pay tuition unless they take more than the maximum number of allowed classes/credits. Each term, costs include college fees and textbooks.  Transportation is the responsibility of the student. There is a small fee for requesting the student’s college transcript. 

Colleges must waive fees for students enrolled in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program, and many provide additional support like book loan programs and transportation vouchers. For more information, please refer to Running Start fee waivers at colleges (RCW 28A.600.310).